LONGVIEW, Texas - In an oasis of shade at the Belaire Manor Apartments on Young Street, about 20 children gathered in a circle to sing a song about Jesus.

They gave an enthusiastic effort, singing loudly, a sound that must have carried into some of the apartment units around them that they call home.

At this time of day, shortly before the noon hour, sounds from this Buckner Children and Family Services program are among the only activity at the complex.

A few people sat in metal folding chairs beside their units. Thirty yards away — a world distant from the children — a man walked on the unkempt Belaire lawn, making animated gestures as he spoke on a cellphone.

Belaire has a reputation as being the last and worst stop before falling into homelessness.

Read the full inspiring story on the Longview News-Journal site.