Michael: Homelessness Is
Homelessness is walking endlessly up and down many streets that only lead to other streets which lead to nowhere.
Homelessness is wondering where you're going to sleep at night.
Homelessness is going to sleep hungry and waking up hungry with no way to fix the issue.
My worst times on the streets have been those times I had to be alone without the woman I love, because of my addiction. There were times when it was below freezing and my girlfriend couldn't be out here in that kind of weather wand also because of my drug use back then I wasn't able to stay with her and her family. So many days and nights I spent alone without her. What hurt more than the cold wind hitting my face and the hard streets below my feet was being without my heart knowing as a man I wasn't able to provide for myself let alone myself and her. That was by far the worse situation and the most painful. I would rather go through anything I've experienced rather than go through that again.
Homelessness is not being able to provide the life you wish that you could for the ones you love.
There have been many many times when people have been nice to me out here on the streets. There are some who mistreat homeless people, but for the most part everyone has been generous with money, food, water, clothes, and even kind words of inspiration.
Homelessness is meeting interesting people and seeing how beautiful and kind some people can be.
In the beginning for a while there wasn't anyone helping me but now there is. My grandmother is helping quite a bit. With my girlfriend and I both working now we are looking into getting a real home very soon. My grandmother has been extremely helpful and is currently looking into potential homes that we can afford.
Homelessness is freezing in the winter and baking in the summer.
A major injustice on the streets is discrimination against the homeless. I've been turned down many times for jobs because of being homeless. Some of those times I understand. Like when I hadn’t had an opportunity to shower or have on clean clothes. But also your face gets recognized over time and no matter how clean or well dressed, you can’t even get an interview.
Homelessness is something I wouldn't wish upon my worst enemy.
Some people do think differently of me because I'm homeless. Even though I’m sober now many people assume because you're homeless that you are a drug addict or alcoholic. I was once addicted to opiates but now I am not. And it does feel disappointing to automatically be classified as an addicted person when I know truthfully I am not.
Homelessness has taught me so many life lessons I couldn't have learned any other way.
I've been desperate for money before but I have never held a sign alongside the road asking for money. In many places it is illegal. And also I don't have the nerve to do it. If I’m going to ask for help with money I would much rather ask someone individually. That way I may be able to tell my story and then say thank you personally if I were helped.
Homelessness is a wound deep inside that you can't seem to patch.
Homelessness is not giving up hope even when all hope feels lost.
Homelessness is hopefully over for me very soon.
—Michael
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