If you read my intro on how I became homeless, this is an post-followup on how I made it back from the brink
Many times through out being homeless and starving away in the streets, I had friends whom parents knew me for 16 years or more, they were rich living in 6 bedroom homes in fancy neighborhoods. I'd come over to see my friend, his parents knew I was homeless but couldn't be bothered to help me (giving me a room for 1-night was I guess too much of burden) EXTREMELY christian family irony right, they work for a HUGE church!
I heard many a times "i'll pray for you", which translated into "I have the money, the resources, and the ability to give to change your circumstances . . . but I don't want to be bothered"
My buddy having no say over his parents choices was kind enough to feed me behind their backs, and even sneak me into the shower once or twice a month!
Any how, somehow my military service had reached US Congressman Buck McKeon.
(Keep in mind during this time I had a cell phone that was paid by my friend)
I got a call from someone in the house of representatives, who oddly knew where I was living (alley way behind starbucks - all you can drink water and early restroom!)
He said "I will be at starbucks in 1 hour"
So this guy in a fancy suit shows up with a huge box of HOT food, (had not eaten in forever)
SIDE NOTE: being homeless and staring through the glass window as others mindlessly eat, and knowing you will never have food again is horrible!
Anyway HOT FOOD, man tons of it, so good!
We sit down at this table, I smell horrible, tired, im filthy, and here this classy man in a suit sits in front of me, talking to me.
He lays this folder down, and says "I have your service record, I see you were put in for a [insert medal] for [insert deed]"
he then goes on to say "Congressman Buck McKeon sent me to get you, by the end of the day we are going to have you off the streets and into a hotel."
I thought the man was crazy, who cared about me? Homeless veterans are a dime a dozen. But I thought hey, free food.
But that afternoon I was placed in a NICE hotel, Large bed, SHOWER, they even filled my fridge with food and bought me clothes.
I was able to clean up, and actually eat, get sleep, and shower.
After a month I managed to land a job, saved up rented my own room.
Now I am married living in my own 2-bedroom apartment driving around in my nice car.
(Met my wife when I was homeless, she use to come visit me in the alley way where I lived)
I was homeless for YEARS.
and here is the kicker, it took 1 person to care enough to get me a room to stay in.
That one person changed my life. Gave me my life back. I am graduating college the end of this month.
But what drives me through the ground is, all these 'christians' who were living well above their means with ample resources to help someone in need didn't, because they could not be bothered.
Many times through out being homeless and starving away in the streets, I had friends whom parents knew me for 16 years or more, they were rich living in 6 bedroom homes in fancy neighborhoods. I'd come over to see my friend, his parents knew I was homeless but couldn't be bothered to help me (giving me a room for 1-night was I guess too much of burden) EXTREMELY christian family irony right, they work for a HUGE church!
I heard many a times "i'll pray for you", which translated into "I have the money, the resources, and the ability to give to change your circumstances . . . but I don't want to be bothered"
My buddy having no say over his parents choices was kind enough to feed me behind their backs, and even sneak me into the shower once or twice a month!
Any how, somehow my military service had reached US Congressman Buck McKeon.
(Keep in mind during this time I had a cell phone that was paid by my friend)
I got a call from someone in the house of representatives, who oddly knew where I was living (alley way behind starbucks - all you can drink water and early restroom!)
He said "I will be at starbucks in 1 hour"
So this guy in a fancy suit shows up with a huge box of HOT food, (had not eaten in forever)
SIDE NOTE: being homeless and staring through the glass window as others mindlessly eat, and knowing you will never have food again is horrible!
Anyway HOT FOOD, man tons of it, so good!
We sit down at this table, I smell horrible, tired, im filthy, and here this classy man in a suit sits in front of me, talking to me.
He lays this folder down, and says "I have your service record, I see you were put in for a [insert medal] for [insert deed]"
he then goes on to say "Congressman Buck McKeon sent me to get you, by the end of the day we are going to have you off the streets and into a hotel."
I thought the man was crazy, who cared about me? Homeless veterans are a dime a dozen. But I thought hey, free food.
But that afternoon I was placed in a NICE hotel, Large bed, SHOWER, they even filled my fridge with food and bought me clothes.
I was able to clean up, and actually eat, get sleep, and shower.
After a month I managed to land a job, saved up rented my own room.
Now I am married living in my own 2-bedroom apartment driving around in my nice car.
(Met my wife when I was homeless, she use to come visit me in the alley way where I lived)
I was homeless for YEARS.
and here is the kicker, it took 1 person to care enough to get me a room to stay in.
That one person changed my life. Gave me my life back. I am graduating college the end of this month.
But what drives me through the ground is, all these 'christians' who were living well above their means with ample resources to help someone in need didn't, because they could not be bothered.