Broken people heal broken people
There is an old saying in social work: “Hurt people hurt people.” If you have not heard it before, it means that people who are hurting often hurt other people. Unfortunately, it is true. The most vulnerable can be the most challenging. Many vulnerabilities (mental illness, traumatic brain injury, etc.) can cause problematic behavior. It […]
You’re not wrong. Right now IS harder than ever.
I get several emails per week from people who say that they—and their organizations—are at a breaking point. They cite the same things: Increased numbers of individuals experiencing homelessness. More mental illness (and more severe mental illness). Overwhelmed staff quitting for better pay and less conflict at Chipotle. More physically frail elderly homeless individuals. More […]
He brought Vietnam with him to the shelter.
I didn’t know that Gary fought in Vietnam—he was very quiet and private. He was a big man with a bushy mustache, mostly gray now. It was a Thursday night in 2010, probably around 11:00 pm. It was this time of year—fall—during one of the few fall nights that is beautiful in the Chicago area. […]
I practiced saying “my apartment.”
The following is the final installment of an essay written by Jaime L. Benshoff about her experiences being homeless. If you want to read the earlier parts, you can find them here: Have a great week! Ryan Finding Home Part 6 of 6By Jaime L. Benshoff When I was notified that I had won my […]
Are you homeless?
The following is the fifth installment of an essay written by Jaime L. Benshoff about her experiences being homeless. If you want to read the earlier parts, you can find them here: Have a great week! Ryan DISCLAIMER: This installment of Jaime’s story is especially honest. Don’t read it in front of your children. Finding […]
Christmas lights do not dispel darkness. They reveal it.
The following is the fourth installment of an essay written by Jaime L. Benshoff about her experiences being homeless. If you want to read the earlier parts, you can find them here: Have a great week! Ryan Finding Home Part 4 of 6By Jaime L. Benshoff With the problems of meals and where I would […]
My street dad was a Vietnam Vet
The following is the third installment of an essay written by Jaime L. Benshoff about her experiences being homeless. If you want to read the earlier parts, you can find them here: Have a great week! Ryan Finding Home Part 3 of 6By Jaime L. Benshoff I wasn’t always homeless; this was a recent occurrence […]
In the event that I am pronounced mentally insane…
It was a Saturday. Mid-morning. Pleasantly warm outside. On such days, people should be skipping stones across tranquil ponds. Or playing frisbee with panting dogs in freshly mowed fields. Or driving through mountain passes with windows down and music loud. I was doing none of those things. I was in my windowless office, my face […]
The #1 cause of homelessness
Dear Ryan, My adult son has bipolar disorder. He is unable to work. My husband and I support him as best as we can. Without us, I’m pretty sure he would be homeless. Is mental illness the #1 cause of homelessness? Thank you, Jane Dear Jane, Thank you for sharing. Your story is not uncommon. […]
Frank is a jerk
Daniel is kind. Daniel’s smile makes me want to share a secret with him. Daniel’s honesty and earnestness make me question my own cynicism. Frank is a jerk. He is mean, petty and abusive. He only targets Daniel, though, constantly undermining Daniel’s self-worth. What were you thinking? How can you be so stupid? Why would […]
