Jason
My name is Jason Brown.
My descent into homelessness began with a toxic relationship and a tour to Iraq.
My return from serving my country marked the end of my marriage and the beginning of life in the streets.
In 2008 my now ex-wife reduced my life to trash bags and my 1994 Oldsmobile became my new home—a home that I parked at Wal-Marts and malls.
Friends offered as much help as they could—my car broke down and then I realized I was truly
HOMELESS.
With no money to fix my car, I found myself sleeping on the pavement next to gas stations.
Sleepless nights turned into frightening and uncertain days.
PTSD
In my darkest hours the country I served would not serve me—only a pre-paid phone gave me some sliver of hope—a lifeline to a job, a cry for help.
HELP.
No one answered. No human contact,
SUICIDE.
One decision you can’t take back. The deepest pain a lost son, a lost father—no one to comfort him; no one to comfort me.
DESPAIR
In my hopelessness I met a girl.
She showed compassion. Offered me friendship and gave me
HOPE
Finally received news of a substituting job. Money—only if it is a little offers relief.
A stranger offers me a place to stay. Belongings still in a broken down I can’t pay for, but at least I have a place to sleep.
Walking down Alameda the clouds part and I see the moonlight shinning down on the trailer park.
I enroll in school and manage to get a work-study job. Always on time, never missed work. Then there came
REJECTION
because of my homelessness, the university fired me from my job and forced to leave, giving me no credit for the semester.
EDUCATION THE KEY TO INTOLERANCE????
I fought for my appeal. I fought for my education. I won.
I walked down a stage in front of the very people who judged me; my degree was
CUM LAUDE
I am working on a second degree now.
JEN
offered her time, kindness, and partnership. With her now I have a place I can call
HOME.
I am Jason Brown.
My descent into homelessness began with a toxic relationship and a tour to Iraq.
My return from serving my country marked the end of my marriage and the beginning of life in the streets.
In 2008 my now ex-wife reduced my life to trash bags and my 1994 Oldsmobile became my new home—a home that I parked at Wal-Marts and malls.
Friends offered as much help as they could—my car broke down and then I realized I was truly
HOMELESS.
With no money to fix my car, I found myself sleeping on the pavement next to gas stations.
Sleepless nights turned into frightening and uncertain days.
PTSD
In my darkest hours the country I served would not serve me—only a pre-paid phone gave me some sliver of hope—a lifeline to a job, a cry for help.
HELP.
No one answered. No human contact,
SUICIDE.
One decision you can’t take back. The deepest pain a lost son, a lost father—no one to comfort him; no one to comfort me.
DESPAIR
In my hopelessness I met a girl.
She showed compassion. Offered me friendship and gave me
HOPE
Finally received news of a substituting job. Money—only if it is a little offers relief.
A stranger offers me a place to stay. Belongings still in a broken down I can’t pay for, but at least I have a place to sleep.
Walking down Alameda the clouds part and I see the moonlight shinning down on the trailer park.
I enroll in school and manage to get a work-study job. Always on time, never missed work. Then there came
REJECTION
because of my homelessness, the university fired me from my job and forced to leave, giving me no credit for the semester.
EDUCATION THE KEY TO INTOLERANCE????
I fought for my appeal. I fought for my education. I won.
I walked down a stage in front of the very people who judged me; my degree was
CUM LAUDE
I am working on a second degree now.
JEN
offered her time, kindness, and partnership. With her now I have a place I can call
HOME.
I am Jason Brown.
Transcribed by Irma Quaney