I spent 5 years being homeless, mostly as a teen. If spending one night out helps others from not having to endure that, I am happy to help.

Before I started working with marginalized communities I believed a lot of the stereotypes. Now I know that these folks are some of the most resilient, creative people one would ever hope to meet and I am honored to help make their lives better.

Our family volunteered with a warming shelter for the homeless last winter. To experience the help it provided to the individuals in need was impactful to all involved. Even though it was for a night those that needed it were feed, clothed and provided a warm safe place to spend the night. It really opened our eyes to the needs of the homeless and how they survive during difficult times.

I have always been fortunate enough to have a home to stay in and food on the table. However, growing up did not come without its challenges. I was raised in a single parent household until I was about 10 years old. My mother did all she could to provide us with shelter and food and never made us feel the worries and stress I am most certain she was went through on a daily bases. I was given opportunities most do not get and I took full advantage of them. I have been in law enforcement for a little over 11 years and have dealt with homeless individuals numerous times throughout my career. However, I never took the time to understand what these individuals were going through instead; I would provide them with the resources I knew Victoria could provide and went to the next call. I feel this experience will help bring awareness to the homelessness in Victoria. Also, Sarrah told me I needed to do it. 

The biggest reason I'm doing the One Night Without a Home Sleep Out Challenge is because I want to bring awareness to the vulnerable, unhoused people I know and work with every day as a community health worker. They are fathers, mothers, daughters, sons, friends, brothers, sisters who are actual human beings that go through struggles just like everyone else except they didn't have the support along the way to help them stay housed. They are not invisible and they feel love and hurt just like anyone else. The second reason I'm doing the sleepout is to set an example for my children. I want them to see the world without blinders when it comes to showing empathy and understanding to their fellow humans. 

I volunteered at the local warming shelter and let me tell you those people warmed my heart more than anything I've ever experienced. They walked in shivering and exhausted, but still had a smile on their face when entering and they were all so thankful and generous and were trying to offer me what little they had to say thank you for being there. I had some of the best conversations and learned about their lives and how most of them had no family and lost their job or fell on some kind of unexpected hard time and they were trying to get on their feet. You would of thought it was Christmas the way they reacted to being able to have a cot to sleep on and a used old jacket. I think it's remembering that we are all humans who should help one another, because if we aren't being kind, helping and impacting others than what are we really doing? Also I will make sure to wear the most ridiculous sleep onesie and sing everyone night night songs so please donate to make me sleep outside, because this is a cause that means so much to me as I have had family and friends that have experienced homelessness & I know how most people are just a bad day away from needing a warming shelter or a warm coat or just someone to lend a helping hand.

I was a part of the Victoria Area Homeless Coalition for 3 years and served on the board for two years. It was during that time that my eyes were opened to the homelessness and hunger situation we have in Victoria.   

When I lived in Dallas in my late 20’s, I was evicted from my apartment because times were hard and I could no longer afford rent. The woman I worked for allowed me to live with her in the wealthiest neighborhood in Dallas so I was far from suffering. Now every day I go home to to a comfortable life and I vow to never be so comfortable that I turn a blind eye to the true hardship and struggle that happens in our community. If using my voice can bring awareness to homelessness and hunger, I’m too privileged not to participate in the sleep out!

Hi, My name is Keith Rucker President VAHC where I have been an active member since 1998.  I have spent a large portion of my life advocating for the homeless over these past 25 years and I will continue to advocate for housing for the unhoused community even if that takes an additional 25 yrs until homelessness no longer exist in the United States.    Hunger and Homelessness effects us all it is a Human Right and I challenge You to show your support by giving to the Humility Project.   Your Donation will go a long way to provide Emergency Shelter during extreme weather conditions, it will save many lives.  There are some unhoused folks who will refuse shelter, so donations of clothing, tents, sleeping bags and personal hygiene items are needed.   Thank you in advance for helping to End Homelessness and Hunger in the Crossroad’s, together we can make a difference.

As the executive director of Promise Pointe and living with 12 formerly homeless people, the sleep-out will give me a taste of their experiences of sleeping rough.  

250 votes added on 11/10

Walking in the shoes of another can give us all a sudden realization and better understanding of other life stories outside of our own. Anything I can do to help bring awareness to the topic of homelessness in our community, and hopefully encourage healthy solutions, is time well spent.

50 votes were purchased for Tony 10/27
 

It’s easy for people to get stuck in their own life bubble. Stepping outside that bubble and living a different experience will bring understanding and awareness to homelessness in Victoria.
 

Up until this point in my life, I have been very fortunate to have a home to sleep in every night. However, we are always finding ourselves in unexpected situations. We should not let our comfortable lives get in the way of remembering that homelessness can impact anyone. It is not a reflection of a person's character or worth. I am grateful for this opportunity to help raise awareness for homelessness and funds to keep our fellow community members warm and safe this winter.