Homelessness, double trouble and hope

The speaker introduced himself as a recovering alcoholic, an addict. He added that he had been homeless for a year. But there were two major differences from the homeless scene in the Mat-Su verses his experience. He was able to follow the sun, because he had money. Homeless with money, how could that be? It was due to legal problems — not lack of money — that kept him on the lam.

However, his story was only to let the audience know they were not alone. In fact, half the Burchell High School population has been identified as “unaccompanied youth.” (They are not in the physical custody, or care of a biological parent or legal guardian.) But, the strength of knowing, as the speaker continued, that you are not alone is very powerful. As it is stated in the first step of any 12-step program, “We admitted …”

To know you are not alone, and you very well may not have caused it (homelessness) is such a relief, as opposed to the demoralization that something is wrong with you. Every other person in the audience is in the same boat.

Now, the reasons for being homeless are multi-layered and complex, as it involves relationships — or actually, the lack of relationships. The speaker did not ask anyone to raise their hands if they were homeless or to share the reason. That is very personal and can be heartbreaking, especially if it involves abuse of any kind. And, yes, the speaker is realistic to know there could be some who just chose that lifestyle and do not want to follow rules. But those are the minority. Who would want to be homeless in the middle of winter with sub-zero temps living in a baseball dugout, camper or tent? That is a high price to pay for freedom or being independent and calling your own shots.

Next, the speaker introduced the concept of “double trouble,” being homeless and using alcohol. It is like throwing gasoline on the fire. Actually, it is just the opposite. Alcohol robs the body of core heat, and more importantly, impairs one’s thinking. Besides, being homeless can very well be depressing, and alcohol is a depressant. There again is double trouble. And living homeless, (if you can call that living) one has to keep all his or her wits in the woods and especially on the streets. Unfortunately, there are people who target kids to use up. And, stuff happens and you could die.

What about living in a car? An option because some can afford a car, but the dangers of running their car with the heater on to keep warm can be deadly. The speaker saw some of those cars in the parking lot. Those cars could very well leak carbon monoxide into them. It was suggested to make sure you at least were drawing in outside air and have a cracked window for fresh air while running the car.

“You may be homeless, but you can still be smart and safe living in your car, or wherever,” he said.

How about couch surfing? It can come with a price. Unfortunately, that price can be more for girls then boys. Boys might have to wheel and deal or be a mule (transporting and carrying drugs) as a trade off. For girls, well, you can just imagine the trade off, and it isn’t a pretty picture. It is one thing to live with your boyfriend, but not to sell yourself to someone 10, 20 years older than you. You are worth more! Again, be smart and keep yourself safe.

Finally, the speaker again reminded the audience they are not alone and that they may not have caused their homelessness. But, they can still be smart and safe. And, don’t give up hope. There are caring folks in the Mat-Su Valley who are seeking a solution to the lack of housing. Those five realizations provide you with a handle, as the speaker made a fist. With his fist in the air, he said, “Hang in there. There is light at the end of the tunnel!”

If you are interested in making hope a reality or creating some light in the lives of these kids, consider attending the next meeting for MY HOUSE (Mat-Su Youth Housing). It is the first Thursday of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the church behind Burchell High School. Also, there is a general membership meeting for the Coalition of Housing and Homelessness at 10 a.m., Oct. 20 in the West Valley Medical Building (Room 220) on Bogard Road across from Wasilla High School.

Michael P. Carson is an advocate for Unaccompanied Youth.