Minnesota Vikings Honor Homeless Shelter Director (a Bears Fan!)

The Minnesota Vikings honored Envoy Bill Miller with a U.S. Bank Hometown Heroes award Nov. 30 at the Metrodome during their game against the Chicago Bears.

Miller is executive director of The Salvation Army Harbor Light Shelter in downtown Minneapolis, which houses up to 450 people a night and serves more than 1,000 hot meals a day. He is a virtual celebrity among the city’s homeless population, and is revered by prominent state officials, legislators and philanthropists.

Miller’s recognition included a personalized Vikings jersey, four game tickets, an article in the Vikings’ game day magazine, and his picture on Metrodome video boards. He was honored in front of 60,000-plus fans during a game break.

“I was amazed at all of the applause, and at how many of the players and coaches came up and hugged me – they talked so highly of The Salvation Army,” Miller said. “The award made me proud of how well (Harbor Light) is perceived in the community – we are a light in the darkness.”

Miller is a Chicago native who grew up a Bears fanatic. Although he still likes the team, he has finally come to his football senses.

“I actually have changed my loyalty, since I have had most of the Vikings players to Harbor Light and they have become my friends,” Miller said. “I was cheering for the Vikings all the way.”