As someone who was homeless last year

I don’t have much to give other than some words of encouragement and a story of hope!

I was homeless for 3 months last year. I was fortunate for 3 reasons - I am female (I work in mental health and I hate how hard it is for men), I had a full time job and a car of my own. I know now how those three things are most than more have, but it was rock bottom for me.

I called the local women’s shelter every day for two weeks. They were always full and told me to keep calling which I did despite drinking nonstop and hating myself. I was so low, everything I owned was in my shitty car and I was subjecting my two girls (11 and 13) to but bug infested motel rooms week after week.

The shelter finally had a bed for me and I hated it. I had chores and a curfew and couldn’t drink and was surrounded by girls I thought as “lower” than myself. But it was all I had and it motivated me to do better.

I applied for section 8 and the housing authority but was denied due to an eviction on my credit. I was so discouraged and depressed but kept applying for housing. I applied at a government housing complex one Wednesday afternoon even though I had been told they never have openings and no one ever gets a call back. On Friday of that same week they called me, and the following Monday I had the keys to my new 2 bedroom apartment.

It’s been a year and I am happy to say this is the longest I have kept an apartment and managed all on my own. My ex gave me full custody of my two girls and I’m doing it on my own with no child support or assistance other than the rent. And I’m about to start paying market price anyway due to a raise.

I forgot a 4th thing that happened that was fortunate for me as well. My dad and my best friend quit enabling me after 4 years. I made my decisions based on the fact that they would always make sure I had food and gas and a roof over my head. Then they stopped. I was forced to stand on my own two feet and I hated them for it. Now I realize it was the best thing they could have done for me.

I know it sucks, and I know it’s unfair. But sometimes we never find out how strong we are until we only have ourselves to rely on as cliche as that is. Thank you to anyone who reads my story.