Henry Johnson spent much of his life searching for stability, opportunity and a place to belong.
After growing up in foster care and navigating challenges that included homelessness, incarceration and mental health struggles, he never stopped believing that a better future was possible. Today, as a resident and volunteer leader at Francis + Clare Place, Henry has found community, purpose and what he describes as “the first family that I chose to be involved with.”
In this Voices of Hope profile, Henry reflects on perseverance, belonging and the power of showing up for others.
Henry Johnson spent his childhood in foster care, entering the system at just 7 months old and remaining there until age 21. The path before him was anything but easy. He faced instability, trauma, incarceration, mental health challenges, bouts of homelessness — any of which might have caused many people to lose hope.
But Henry isn’t one to “play the sad violin,” as his uncle used to say.
Instead, he kept showing up, worked when work was available, eventually moving from Chicago to Portland in search of opportunity — not once, but twice. Through setbacks and second chances, he held onto the belief that someone, somewhere, would eventually say, “yes.”
Today, Henry has been a resident of Francis + Clare Place for nearly two years. There, he says he’s found his people and a renewed sense of purpose. Whether organizing neighborhood barbecues, helping create a workout room, pursuing certifications to better serve others, or simply checking in on neighbors, Henry has become a source of encouragement and connection for many residents he now considers family.
His story is not defined by the challenges he faced. It’s defined by what he chose to do when opportunity finally arrived.
Name: Henry Johnson
Role with Catholic Charities (staff, board, volunteer, partner, client): Volunteer coordinator and resident
Year you first connected with Catholic Charities: 2024
How did you hear about Catholic Charities of Oregon, and what prompted you to get involved? I moved into Francis and Clare Place in late 2024. I had connected with Catholic Charities through the Urban League. I got to know the staff and the community and began engaging in events, started an open mic, and supported the pantry as a volunteer for food pickups, deliveries and organization. Now I also volunteer with community outreach to my unhoused neighbors.
What does being part of Catholic Charities/Catholic Social Teaching mean to you personally? It gives me the opportunity for the first time to be part of a family that I choose to be involved with. It means being accepted.
What’s one story or moment from your time with Catholic Charities that you’ll never forget? I’ll never forget being in a bad spot emotionally and having staff and residents come to check in on me. Most of my memories in life have been of me helping people, but this was the first time I felt like people were really looking out for me and trying to uplift me.
What activities, situations or people most inspire you? I am most inspired by being in situations of helping people come up with solutions or offering encouragement.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get involved—whether through volunteering, donating or seeking support? Don’t think about it, just do it. It’s needed. If you have even a thought, there’s a reason inside of you that wants you to be involved.
What’s your favorite book, movie, TV show, podcast or social media account—and why? (Pick one!) Alive Inside is my favorite documentary. It’s about music reaching people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. I also love the Rocky III movie.
What’s on your personal “bucket list”—something you still hope to do, learn or experience? I want to leave something meaningful behind, some inspiration, monumental accomplishment, or legacy. I want to offer a light and a way forward for future generations. If you leave something behind, you never die.