One Step Away from Being in Their Shoes

Being an advocate and truly listening to our guests’ stories about how they became homeless has been an eye-opening experience for me. The stigma that all homeless people are addicts is simply not true—although addiction is still a factor for some.

Many people become homeless because of the death of a loved one, major health issues, untreated mental health conditions, loss of a job, family issues, leaving an abusive relationship, or moving somewhere else in hopes that life will be better.

Our guests all have their own stories, just as we all do. It could happen to any of us. They are someone’s grandparent, mother, father, daughter, son, sister, or brother who has fallen upon a difficult time in their lives—doing everything they can to survive another day.

I urge you to listen to their stories. Don’t judge them by their sometimes-disheveled appearance. Care for people and treat them with respect and dignity.

Because, after all, we could all be just one step away from being in their shoes.