We had the good fortune of connecting with Francky Pierre-Paul and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Francky, what are you inspired by?
I am inspired by the will to LIVE! Let me explain, I serve a community that at times, they get overlooked or the perspective of those who walk pass them is that they are bums and they can do better. At the end of the day, they fight ti just LIVE. They persevere and fight through all the adversity. I am truly inspired and honored to serve the homeless population.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am the Founder and CEO of A Different Shade of Love, Inc. A Different Shade of Love is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization that believes that every person, regardless of their economical situation deserves to be treated with dignity, shown respect and is given a second chance at living a meaningful and normal life. Our targeted population is the houseless. What sets me apart from other souls is the way that I love, Even through someone’s flaws, I see potential and room to shower love in areas that have been left void for years. I have learned throughout this journey that I must respect the process. Let me elaborate, the process in any situation at times makes you impatient and anxious. Growing up, I have always wanted to rush the process and want things NOW! What I realize is that during the process, I learned and picked up much needed traits and discovered things about me that I would have never discovered if the process was rushed. I also learned with it means and feels like to be patient. Anything rushed in life is mediocre, premature and can fall apart at anytime, but if the process is respected, you can pick up so many great things along the way to help you along this journey we call life. I am most proud of being a father of two beautiful, intelligent, and wonderful children. I was told that being a father would never happen and after trying for so many years and having faith, our children manifested.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
First and foremost, during this pandemic, it has been hard going out but the pleasure of volunteering and lending a hand is far more greater than personal gain. Let me explain, we currently live in a realm where either someone is being evicted at a rapid rate, youth homelessness is on a rise, families are going without food for days, but what is amazing is that organizations like, Palm Beach Harvest, Vita Nova Inc, Family Promise, The Lords Place, just to name a few are all coming together to ensure that our county and the people in it are taken care of. Volunteering at any org that alleviates the stress during these hard times is by far the best thing to do.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I will like to give a shout out to every single person who is secretly living in pain. I want you to know that your cries and your efforts are not going unseen. You see, ever sense I made it my duty to serve the homeless, I have had the chance to speak life into those who have lost their way. In their eyes, I am their hero but in all reality, they are mine. I would not be where I am today without my homeless neighbors. Although I was once there once upon a time, they remind me daily to count my blessings and remember where I used to be. Because of them, I am able to change ones perspective about who they are and I am able to share their story. Because of them, I am able to effectively advocate for their rights to live a better life. Because of them, my life has never been the same !
Website: aDifferentShadeofLove.org
Instagram: iamfranckypierrepaul
Linkedin: Francky Pierre – Paul
Facebook: Francky Pierre-Paul
Youtube: A Different Shade of Love