Stories, Testimonials, Poetry, Words From The Homeless And Formerly Homeless
An Email received from a former SHARE/SHARE2 participant
To SHARE staff and members,
My name is KJ and I'm writing to thank you for being there for me when I needed it the most. A few years ago I suddenly went from being a Union business owner to fleeing domestic violence. I found myself on the streets of Seattle without a nickel in my pocket. SHARE found me and I went to one of your women's shelters. It wasn't long before I was in SHARE 2, where I stayed for a couple years. I got counseling, had time to heal, and get trained to re-enter the workforce.
Today I have a job, a vehicle, and a place of my own again.
In my experience, SHARE provides an essential service to our community, one I'll be eternally grateful for.
Sincerely,
KJ
Jennifer, participant of Tent City 3
Scar's so deep to look at me
you wouldn't see
What keeps frightning me?
When I sleep the dreams seem
so Real
Why me?
Afraid to love, to let you
in, fear so deep how do I begin?
If I let you know will you let
Me go? imperfect, damaged goods, tourtured
soul, cursed to live life alone, a life of
hell, demon's and ghosts Run my life
Cant Run, Nowhere to hide, My life
going by
September 22, 2012
What the Homeless Want and Need...
People are people are people. What do we want? We want our lives back. We lost our lives for
the most part when we lost our jobs, housing, and opportunities to the rough times we are living
through right now. It should be pointed out that many more people will slip through the cracks in the
years to come until the poor and needy band together to coax changes that will benefit us all.
We need job training, jobs, educational opportunities, health care, legal help at times,
affordable housing and general donations for daily living until a time we can tend our own needs. What
we don't want is to be treated like we're all troubled with problems like alcohol and drugs. Among the
homeless you will find those that fell through the cracks because of drug and alcohol addictions, but
many of us have not had those issues. We simply slipped through the cracks. We would appreciate
non-judgmental comments and kindness which those of you still living your lives in homes and
apartments want simply out of respect for others. We're still viable workers, friends, parents, and
members in good standing with the rest of the community. So, it follows that the "Golden Rule" does
apply. Comments are welcomed, don't be shy.
August 30, 2012