In his remarks at the ceremony, Rev. Sauls said, “To be homeless doesn’t mean you are hopeless. Continue to be fueled by the power of hope. Growing up in the crucible of apartheid in South Africa, I was taught as a youth by Bishop Mmutlanyane Stanley Mogoba that ‘hope is like a bird singing about dawn while it is yet still dark.’ Serving with you as City and County Commissioners, staff, service providers and my colleagues in the faith community for the last ten years, has enabled me to continue to be one of those bold birds singing about dawn as we pursue navigating the dark clouds of homelessness/houselessness. Bridging courage and compassion, intentionality and creativity, I urge you to keep singing songs of freedom as you continue to keep your charge, ‘To drive the collaborative strategic vision to create solutions for the crisis of homelessness grounded in compassion, equity, and inclusion.’ Whether from sanctuaries, suites or the streets, I look forward to keep on fighting the good fight to end this trans-national humanitarian crisis. Thank you for affording me the privilege to serve alongside you in this labor of love. Facing the rising sun, let us press on and keep hope alive!”