Everyone has a story—a unique and significant life experience worth sharing.
The National Health Care for the Homeless Council strives to give individuals who have experienced homelessness the tools, training, and platform to share their stories. These stories educate, guide policy and practice, and offer hope and healing to others.
Art was only 14 when he packed a bag and left his parents’ home in a combined act of rebellion, adventure, and an effort to “find himself.” For three years, he traveled across the country, experiencing the hardships of life on the streets.
When he returned home at 17, he completed his education, and eventually got married, had children, and owned a home. But the ups and downs of life took their toll. Art found himself divorced and without his kids or a job. The longer it took to find work, the worse things got, and Art battled addiction for a time.
At age 32, Art had a heart attack. After four days in the hospital, doctors released Art, but he had nowhere to go. He slept in the emergency room for a day before getting a ride to CA. Mired in medical debt without a job or a home, Art describes this as a low point.
But Art turned his experiences into opportunity. “I have tested out many systems and I’m able to see what various programs are available and what does or does not help others experiencing homelessness,” says Art. “Today, I’m able to help other consumers access what they need—social security cards or IDs, housing, health care, school, and more.”
Art is always asking questions and sharing his experiences to help improve programs. He was a Regional Representative with the National Consumer Advisory Board (Regions 9 &10), served two terms as chair of the National Consumer Advisory Board, and has been affiliated with Central City Concern, a Health Care for the Homeless program in Portland.
“I admire the Council for sharing the voices of consumers,” he says. “The Council taught me a set of skills I now use to help others. I will advocate for anyone who has experienced homelessness and is still on the street.”
Make a year-end gift today. Support Art and others who give a voice to the unhoused, and advocate for access to equitable and quality health care and other efforts to prevent and end homelessness.
