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 […]
Mental illness: Good days and bad days
Monday Mike spotted me from across the shelter dining room. Mike is in his late 50’s. His white hair is just beginning to bald. He’s a big guy, much bigger than me anyways. Mike knocked over a chair (and almost three people) to get to me. I braced for what would come next… “Hey, Ryan! […]
