“Being out on the streets makes it really hard to sleep because I’d always need to keep my guard up. Often, I’d walk half the night just to find a place to sleep. I was always packing everything I owned on my back. I did panhandle, but that would only go so far. When I got desperate, I would rummage through dumpsters which, many times, would be baking in the sun all day. I never looked anyone in the eye, my head was always down. I was ashamed by my appearance and how I smelled.
“Thanks to Union Gospel Mission, I have hope. I have self-esteem, and I have a future.” – Ron, UGM Men’s Shelter, Spokane