The Long Loneliness in Baltimore: Stories Along the Way

A compilation of essays, stories, poems, parables, and art, The Long Loneliness in Baltimore depicts nearly fifty years worth of experiences in southwest Baltimore ("Sowebo"). Through the establishment of Viva House, Brendan Walsh and Willa Bickham are able to restore hope to the hopeless. Viva House, the temporary home and soup kitchen for those living in Sowebo, provides love and community to many. This eye-opening book gives insight into what is it really like to be one of the "powerless" constantly oppressed by the "powerful." Coming out in a turbulent time for Baltimore city, this book exposes social injustices while promoting the message that hope will prevail.

"Thanks from the heart for 48 stupendous years. And now a book to mark the work. Journalism with heart and mind - so rare. The poor, neglected there or here, honored with anecdote and art. You bless us all. A light to walk by in such savage times." -Daniel Berrigan, S.J., priest, poet, teacher, resister '

"This volume is one of real christian art. And real christian words. And this is the beauty that comes from lives spent in service of real christian ideals in a very real and unchristian place called Baltimore, Maryland." -David Simon, writer, film-maker, truth-teller

"In The Long Loneliness in Baltimore, we are brought face to face with the poor. They are no longer invisible. I lived in Baltimore for nearly two decades, and thought I knew my city well-but Brendan and Willa's book has further opened my eyes to her fractured beauty and her hidden grace." -Angela Alaimo O'Donnell, Poet, Editor, Professor, Fordham University