Women in Vans

(this is a work-in-progress piece) As stated in Psychology Today: "Tom Regehr of CAST Canada considers trauma to be most often the root cause of homelessness, and that most cases of homelessness result from a series of losses, so severe and betraying, that these individuals cannot even tolerate the idea of hope.  Furthermore, homelessness itself can lead to further trauma. The loss of a home is often accompanied by loss of community, possessions, and security. Regehr states that regarding the homeless, there may be those with severe and persistent mental illness or those who have experienced multiple traumas, and that what homeless individuals have in common is an internal, ongoing terror, as well as  loneliness , despair,  fear , and dread. " Since homelessness can cause further trauma both as a result of its very nature, and by exposing the individual to dangerous situations, it is important to consider trauma-specific services to help families and indivi...

I wonder about the guy standing in the median strip at that traffic light, or the genuine buskers on the corner of 17th and Walnut by the old Capital One cafe. The one with the sign that says "Made You Look," because they built the new and improved one across the street on the opposite corner. I wonder who among them is, or has been, homeless-even if temporarily. I wonder if they feel or felt the fear and anxiety and the uncertainty. The shakes and the tremors. I realized that when in a situation that can't necessarily be explained, and really isn't truly your fault, there's no one or nothing to turn to. I called a million people desperately wishing they knew something, secretly, about what happened, but no one came clean. I called for help--a place to stay, maybe a monetary contribution, if you will, while seeking a safe place to stay. Some were somewhat receptive, others not so much. I called people who are used to a certain level of wealth--former clients o...

I don't know what it's like to live in a shelter, or completely on the street. But, I do know what it's like to sleep in a van, have no restroom at my convenience, or enough money to eat. I know what it's like to live in fear, to shake and tremble, live in high anxiety and not know what the next hour or day will bring. And I know what it was like to have to ask for money--something I just never did. Not even from my own family because we didn't really have any. I know what it's like to be forced into a situation beyond my control without any idea what to do about it other than use my resources to the best of my abilities. Fortunately, I had a computer and wi-fi exists, and places like Starbucks, Whole Foods Market, Barnes and Noble and the public library are there for 'free' wi-fi. (Except most people feel obligated to purchase something, other than at the library) By the way, in Philadelphia, the 30t Street train station is open 24 hours, but it...