Fourteen years ago, when Peter Greenland migrated from Jamaica, he never imagined he would one day help lead the very program that gave him shelter in his darkest days.
Today, as Program Supervisor of Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s the Good Shepherd Program at St. John’s Hospice (SJH), Greenland oversees critical services for men experiencing homelessness — many of whom face serious medical or personal challenges — with the same compassion and hope he received as a previous resident.
“I think a big part of what drives me is having experienced homelessness myself,” Greenland said. “For me, it feels more like giving back to the organization that gave me so much when I was in need.”
In his role, Greenland manages the Good Shepherd Program, a 12-bed residence for medically fragile men, and supervises case management at St. John’s Hospice, an emergency shelter serving hundreds of men each year.
The work includes everything from helping clients secure vital documents like birth certificates and IDs, to connecting them with mental health care, job opportunities, or long-term housing.
The ultimate goal is always the same: to help men transition from experiencing homelessness to a state of stability and independence.
When Greenland first arrived in Philadelphia, he found himself homeless and became a resident of St. John’s Hospice. With the program’s support, he stabilized his life, navigated the immigration process, and eventually became a U.S. citizen.
He went on to graduate from West Chester University with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science, but when COVID-19 disrupted his career plans, a friend encouraged him to apply for a part-time role at SJH.
What began as a weekend residential aide position quickly grew into case management. Inspired by the work, Greenland even switched his graduate level studies studies from exercise science to social work so he could better serve clients.
Raised Christian, faith has inspired his journey.
“I believe with God’s direction,” he said. “Looking back, I know this path was part of a divine plan.”
A poster inside SJH’s dining room, titled “Jesus and the Bread Line,” resonates deeply with Greenland.
Peter Greenland beside the “Jesus and the Bread Line” poster at St. John’s Hospice.
“If Jesus is serving the least that was around him at the time, it extends to what we do here — not just giving to those in need but helping them to stand on their own.”
Greenland has countless stories of men who entered the shelter hopeless and left with renewed dignity. One of his first cases involved a client with undiagnosed mental health challenges who had grown up in a home of addiction and instability.
With patience and persistence, Greenland connected him to intensive case management, art therapy, and eventually medication — as well as disability benefits and permanent housing.
“Seeing him lying peacefully in bed for the first time after treatment, instead of shadowboxing through the night — that was a powerful moment I’ll never forget,” Greenland said.
Today, three years later, that man is thriving in his own apartment and still checks in with Greenland to share updates.
What Greenland finds most fulfilling is watching transformations unfold.
“The most important part of the job for me is seeing clients come in feeling like this is the end of the road for them, and then a few months later, they’re stable, independent, and hopeful again. When they come back months later and say, ‘It’s going great — thank you,’ that’s what pushes me every day.”
The need remains urgent. With shelters at capacity and men waiting outside for openings, Greenland knows the absence of programs like SJH or Good Shepherd would be devastating.
“Without these programs, street homelessness would significantly increase,” he said. “We can’t imagine not opening the doors.”
From once being a resident in need, Greenland now leads others toward stability – sheltering the homeless, feeding them and providing them with essential services.
***
This piece was previously published in Catholic Charities of Philadelphia’s Fall Magazine. View the full magazine here.
Share this story