Why I Walk the HomeWalk

@HomeForGoodLA came by Mxxxxx in Burbank today to discuss why I walk in the United Way HomeWalk.

I walk for Tommie Jenkins, Anne Martini, Jim, and Gordo who all were homeless when I met them, were recently housed when I left them and now are dead from complications of poverty. For Donald Hearns and Linda who is incarcerated and finally assured of 4 hots and a cot. For Dolores who went stark crazy mad and lost all her teeth, her husband,her housing, her sobriety and sanity to poverty. I walk for John Best, Celena Alvarez, Maria Ramirez, Arlinda, Frankie Tush,  and the staff at LAMP Community when led my Molly Lowery because I learned EVERYTHING I know about giving people the dignity to choose who they are and the life they feel comfortable living. For Billy Blade, Will Smith, Carl Bunker and most of Darlene – who are alive and well and touched my heart.

At my desk I keep a photo of Tommie, Donald and Carl.

Across from my desk is a picture board with photos of previous cash aid clients who are all now employed and many of them housed. I walk for them.

I walked weighing 330 pounds and last year I walked 8 months pregnant and on bed rest. I walk because someone needs to bring attention to what poverty and homelessness can do physically.

I walk the United Way Homewalk because of the vendors that showcase their services on the lawn of Exposition park. I go to network, to see old friends and former coworkers like Carlos Gonzales of PATH.

Everyone who inspires me and shares my wish to end homelessness and obliterate poverty and give peple a chance to live with dignity will be at The HomeWalk on November 19th. For me it is personal.