I am holding on. My living arrangement is still classified as homeless, and a second job is needed. I have obtained another educational certification that brings me another skill set to be more marketable. No word yet from the D.C. Department of Homelessness Services on my continued support.
My path is still a shaky one, but I am slowly gaining my independence—and it makes me feel great. I am maintaining my employment, which can be hard depending on hours, coworkers and how you respond to misunderstandings. At this present time, I am getting about 36 hours of work a week, which is great. But when the other courtesy clerk comes back, my hours will drop to about 20 hours a week. The revenue I generated thus far has been going to rent, food and my cellphone bill. I have not saved anything for a rainy day.
With this said, my check list consists of:
- Becoming smart with money
- Being a stronger asset in the community
- Finding means of more employment
- Keeping a great disposition
- Working to create a great brand
- Staying 0-percent stressed
All of these are goals that keep me focused on my progress. These are my steps for helping myself, and for helping create a different view of a homeless individual.
My coping skills are also improving, and I am better able to express my concerns clearly, especially at work. I still fight with the factors of my conditions, but I will not allow it to overwhelm me, nor obstruct my path. I am one of the many homeless individuals whose health was not up to par, but now I am monitoring my diabetes. My illness hinders what I can accomplish in a day, but treating it helps.
I am determined to progress and work through difficult events, planned and unplanned, and succeed through them with faith and hope.
