I am a homeless 40-year-old man that has experienced all of the injustice that many in this city speak out on. In March, I was on the radio station WPFW discussing “The People’s State of D.C.,” a rally I participated in ahead of the mayor’s State of the District Address this year. The show I was on is called “Taking Action” and is hosted by the advocacy group Empower D.C. every Tuesday.
A caller asked me, “why the homeless can’t help themselves.” This statement has been on my mind since that day.
I am doing what I can to show that even being homeless, progress is what I and most people continue to strive for. I have been steadily working to become an asset to my community for years.
I have two jobs, but earn less than 30 percent of the area median income. So my housing options are limited in this market., I am in a certificate program at Workforce Development LifeLong through the University of the District of Columbia community college. I have made a complete change and commitment to become better.
My past obstacles included health issues, lack of training, a criminal record, and the chaos that is being homeless. But I am doing what I can do to stay afloat. I know there are no hand-outs or free lunches, but my work and faith to continue to do better will assist in the reconstruction of a sturdy foundation for my life.
I can do this on my own, but the assistance programs help build my soft skills. I have been upgrading myself slowly from staying in a car, to a low-barrier shelter, to a rapid re-housing program through Friendship Place. Since I been in this setting, I have found employment and I am paying some on the rent. I have kept my grades up and am on track to achieve a certificate in Construction Craft. I am a product of what can be achieved with an honest hand-up from the right support system.
I am working my hardest to keep my jobs and build a career, to hold on to something that means a lot for me to accomplish.
Life is full of critics with there own interpretation of social norms. But I transform that negativity into energy to keep thriving, to build a better me and a path that others can follow. We as a whole can build toward righteousness by supporting each other to overcome the conditions that hinder our productivity and progression.
This is the first installment of a column I am writing to show what opportunities exist for people experiencing homelessness and answer what questions you might have about the challenges I have faced, homeless, employed and enrolled in higher education in our nation’s capital. Open dialogue and understanding is the foundation of a healthy community. Send questions to [email protected]
