Hello, My name is Royce Tyler and I've been dealing with a lot of emotional stress lately and I'm looking to pull myself out of this saddened state. For the past few months I've been walking around trying to conceal this secret that I've been living with. It's bugging me because I feel like there isn't anyone out there who understands my situation.
I don't know who to turn to..who I can talk to? I'm really afraid that people will laugh at me, or look down on me. Believe me I'm trying to make it...it's hard. I'm not here to ask for money or even your sympathy. Really, a little understanding would be nice. Please, don't treat me like I have some kind of death-dealing contagious disease. I'm just looking for a listening ear. There's more people out here like me than you may even realize. I look just like you. Trust me, you couldn't pick me out of a crowd. I'm educated and well-spoken but that didn't stop me from ending up in this predicament.
I'm ashamed it's come to this point. I promise myself everyday that things are going to turn around. Things are going to change. I ran into an old girlfriend from college this morning. She had it going on. She looked absolutely amazing and had a a great job. I couldn't force myself to tell her the truth. When she asked me how I'd been doing I just lied and told her I was fine. In reality I'm not. I'm battling depression. There's more...I have to be honest. I have to tell someone. I'm homeless. There I said it....homeless.
To read more about me and my predicament, enjoy a free 15 Chapter preview of RL Taylor's new novel: Champagne, Jellybeans, and Chocolate. Click here for your FREE copy
Watch the short video about my situation by clicking here
How do you react to homeless people? Have you or anyone you know ever been forced to live on the street? How close do you think the average person is to ending up homeless?
A Few Homeless Facts and Statistics:- Nationwide, 44 percent of homeless people have some sort of jobs, according to the latest statistics available from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Of the adults who requested emergency food aid in 26 major American cities this year, 67 percent were employed, according to a report released recently by the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
That's almost double the 37 percent found last year in the 30 cities surveyed by the mayors' conference; but no one at the organization can explain the increase. - In 2006 52% of homeless adults and 54% of homeless youth 17 and younger report a recent diagnosis or treatment for a serious mental illness. In addition, 33% of adults and 24% of youth report cognitive disabilities that make them frequently confused or cause problems in making decisions.
I know the feeling. I was homeless with two children for three years, granted, living in a motel fpr 6 months and then a shelter and later transitional housing during that time. (If you'd like to read my take, let me know and I'll drop a longer story on you.)
ReplyDeleteSome say the average family is one paycheck away from homeless. That is misleading. I knew two-income families that were homeless. The average family is ONE BAD BREAK from homelessness. This is why I have vowed that if I ever blow up (NYT Best-seller level), I will donate 15% of my earnings to homelessness.
Royce, you're not alone. When I was in my early 20s, I was homeless, too, but for only 3 months. It was tough. Really tough. You really learn who your friends are...and aren't.
ReplyDeleteI spent a couple of weeks at a homeless shelter; they wouldn't let me stay longer because I was getting paid from my work, and I was "supposed" to have the money I needed for an apartment. I didn't.
Finally, I was able to save enough money to live somewhere decent, but I lived in a studio apartment, all by myself.
Stellbread,
ReplyDeleteYour story is amazing. Shoot me an email, I'd be interested to hear more. The fact that you persevered is strengthening and amazing. The average family is definitely one check away from being homeless. I don't think people realize how serious this is, which is the biggest reason I chose to write about this subject in my new book. Thanks for sharing...
Katie,
You too are a strong example of perseverance. Thanks for opening up and sharing as well. I'm glad you made it through the storm. I wish both of you the very best in the future. Take care.
I hate to say this but I believe that a high number of people in our society are close to being homeless because most of us are one paycheck away from being on the street. Working as a case manager with TANF (welfare) recipients I see this everyday and it's heart breaking.
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you for being brave enough to share your story. YOU INSPIRE ME!
Thanks for the first hand input Lady E. Times are really tough out here for everybody. No one is immune to the economic turmoil today. We ought to all be thankful for what we have.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all the comments that were made. Having a huge family kept me and my family from being on the streets. But if it had not been for them I am not sure what we would have done. Like Lady E I deal with parents who are getting public assistance and I see the issues that they face and wonder how they do it. I see women coming into my office making less than $10 an hour with 2 or more kids and I look at my income and the fact that I am struggling without kids and make more than them and wonder how they survive. A strong spiritual support system and prayer is the only way that I make ends meet. I kept the faith that one day things will be a lot better for everyone.
ReplyDelete