homelessness is not a permanent condition

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Several months ago I made a personal decision to relocate, because I could, because my Dad had passed away recently and he no longer needed me to help him. I had some resources - enough to make the move, to find a place to live for myself and two cats. I had a basic plan, and the knowledge that I had to make things happen in a short time before my resources were spent. Whether I would be welcome in my new surroundings, whether I would find affordable housing on a limited income, whether I was making a good decision ...

How could I possibly know?

What I knew was that more than once before in my life I had started over, each time with Faith - that what I, and my family, later, would need, would be provided, and it always was, and we lived good, happy lives, raised two children to be proud of - I am proud of them both - and when they were raised, my wife and I agreed to go separate ways, after which I started over yet again.

Now, in Bremerton, Washington, yet another start, another 'existence' in my life, as I call it, is dedicated to giving back, in thanks for the many blessings which have allowed me to get this far and to live this long, and as well as I have; dedicated to helping other human beings in whatever way I can, particularly those who have no place to call home.

This blog is not about me, however.

There are hundreds of people in this community who in some way serve those in need, regularly - some of them daily - and the same is likely true in your hometown, so one purpose of this blog is to recognize those volunteers who cook and clean, deliver and provide transportation, or just sit and listen, caring, and then go beyond simple caring with inspired kindness.

We encourage you to make a stronger effort to recognize those in your own community who serve selflessly, and to support them and their efforts.

Just as important is an opportunity to break through stereotypical thinking about "homelessness" and to educate minds about reasons for being "in transition" which are not obvious to many of us when we are approached by someone who is in distress. For three weeks not long ago, I did not have a physical address - general delivery only - and even though I did not feel "homeless" at the time, a friend who knows what it is to be homeless assured me I was, however temporarily.

I have some firsthand experience with the thoughts and feelings that go with being "cut loose" from ties we often take for granted, and I have glimpsed how those thoughts and feelings can lead into a downward emotional spiral from which escape can be tough. Fortunately, I have no "substance abuse" issues which can demolish good decision making in tough times.

Yet it would be foolish of me to think I could not be homeless, more than "temporarily" homeless as I experienced in those three short weeks (which uncertainty made seem a long time) because I am aware that a change in health could sideline me suddenly at any time, or driving the local streets and highways could bring me in contact with an impaired driver. Then I might be unable to care for myself. Even if only for days or weeks, I could be dependent on someone else to make decisions for me, feed my cats, pay bills that would keep my utilities from being cut off and encourage my landlord to not evict me.

Such troubles can happen to any of us who are "one or two paychecks" from being "on the street" and that is why this blog intends to help more people understand that "homelessness" can happen to anyone, at any time, for unexpected reasons that are no fault of our own - so may this blog be an extension of your support group.

We accumulate so much "stuff" in this society, but we can only protect that "stuff" as long as we are physically and mentally able to do so; otherwise, we are dependent on family or friends, neighbors or even strangers, to assist in some way, if we become sick or incapacitated, and then, the walls we have built to protect ourselves and our "stuff" may become a prison for us, with no way out.

Third, far too many of our Veterans, from recent service and from decades ago, are without a solid place to stay, some without hope - men and women we have depended on who now depend on us, so anything I can do through the presence of this blog to connect with those who served, and to connect them to support in some way, I look forward to.

A fourth reason for this blog is to give voice to those who are without shelter, and to those who want to contribute their own ideas and solutions in these pages, so we hope to offer content here that will be from many people involved - articles of personal experience in being homeless, others about available services and how to connect with them, opportunities to be of service, individuals in need of encouragement and support, and maybe we can reveal some of the "secrets" about services that are somewhat "closely held" which not enough people who need them know are about.

My policy is "any question, any time - just ask me" and I am happy to provide proofreading and editing on request, but I will refer resume reviews to more capable volunteers. If I cannot answer your question, at least maybe I can direct it to someone who can answer, but it also gives me a chance to learn more.

Last, this blog will be 'monetized' in hopes we can work together to generate sufficient readership and following to provide a bit of income which can be used to defray a need, so come talk with us about what you see is needed out there, what we need to do more of, more often, or sooner, and let us help you to help others make this little seed of a blog one which might take root in other communities.

Your comments will always be appreciated here, and your feedback will be of value, maybe lifesaving, to someone, somewhere. So please welcome this blog as a resource, bookmark the site, and share the link with everyone you know.

Please come visit or stay with us a while as often as you can - Thank You
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