05/30/2026
I recently had the opportunity to meet Delphine.
I left that conversation with a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
Delphine has experienced homelessness. She struggled with addiction and, at one point, was able to get the treatment and rehabilitation she needed in New York City, and began her recovery journey, and rebuilt her life.
Today, she spends many days each week serving meals at Hands On Hartford.
What touched me most was not her story of hardship it was her response to it.
Delphine has very little. She has a place to stay, but not many possessions. Yet what little she has, she often gives away. If someone needs clothing, she shares hers. If someone is hungry, she helps. If someone is struggling, she listens. She knows what pain feels like, and because of that, she cannot walk away from the pain of others.
As she spoke about her past and about people who are still struggling today, tears came easily. The wounds may have healed, but the memories remain close to her heart. Yet she shares her story openly because she wants others to know that recovery is possible. She wants people who feel lost to know that there is still hope.
Delphine also has a beautiful singing voice. But it is her heart that people remember most.
Meeting her reminded me that some of the richest people I know are not rich because of what they own. They are rich because of their kindness, their generosity, and their willingness to help others despite having gone through so much themselves.
At a time when our state can still do better in helping people facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, people like Delphine remind us what compassion looks like.
Thank you, Delphine, for sharing your story and your heart.
Thank you to Hands On Hartford Hands for the work you do every day, and thank you to Phil Farnsworth for helping capture this special moment.
I have a few more photos of Delphine that I will share in the comments.
