“I had been on the streets for five months, but a guy put me up for a little while until I get on my feet. I just lost my wallet with my debit card and ID. I can’t get any money out of the bank. I had to borrow a quarter to get on the bus. I was staying with my mom, but we got into it and she kicked me out. She is bedridden and we don’t get along. I have been homeless before. I am going to get me a truck and camper trailer and no one will ever be able to kick me out again.

I had a bad childhood and ran away from home at 14 or 15.  I got a taste of the streets and I liked it. It was better than being home and being abused. My mom never liked me and I was molested at age six by my uncle. My dad wanted to kill him. At the time I didn’t understand being molested, but I never got over it. That is where I broke. It was embarrassing. I put it on the backburner and never dealt with it. I would do things differently with my life and I regret running away. I am proud of my daughter and grandson even though we are estranged. She changes her number when I try to contact her.  She doesn’t want anything to do with me.

I see some young girls on the streets. But more are older women about my age. I am 58. It is a rough life out here. People don’t understand it. My health is bad and my back goes out quick.  People mess with you and sexually harass you every day. Rape is real out here. People say they will help you out, but you know in the back of their head, there is a catch. There has to be sex involved and I don’t want any part of that. I don’t trust anyone. There have been so many times I wanted to die. God has a plan for me, but I don’t know what it is. I wouldn’t take my own life, but I wish God would bring me home. I guess He is not ready for me.”