My letter is in regard to the rising homeless rates. As someone who never imagined I’d be homeless, it was been a throat ouch. I’d like to share my thoughts.
My landlord did not renew my lease and my car was my only option. Before I plead my case I’d like to say that I know I am one of many who is homeless and I understand this is a trying time for many. I am sympathetic and empathetic to all who are going through this fire.
I have reached out to many services (HOPE Services Hawaii, Catholic Churches, the Crisis Center, my PCP). I’ve left with nothing but a patronizing pat on the back, empty promises, met with no urgency, and willingness to help me. Why the callousness?
As a taxpayer in the lovely state of Hawaii, I do not understand the cold-hearted ways. The priority as I see it is to help those who have not contributed one penny to the economy and who mooch off the system. I pay my taxes, up until January I was gainfully employed, I have never used any substances. Why am I being treated and discarded with disdain reserved for vile items? Help me to comprehend that.
Why are these government, nonprofit agencies so callous? I am not looking for a handout. I am looking for a solution — a long-term solution. Once again, I understand that I am one off many thousands who are homeless. I get the system is burdened. Trust me, I would not wish homelessness on anyone. The kick to my morale and my wellbeing has affected me mentally, emotionally and physically.
Thoughts of having a roof attached to a house are my obsession. People like myself are suffering. Why aren’t our elected leadership not fulfilling their sworn oath to do right by the people? I’ll reiterate that I pay my taxes, I’ve contributed to Hawaii’s economy. Where is the help now that I need it? A take but not give relationship is never healthy. When is someone with power going to care enough to stop this madness? I cannot ask people to have a heart.
The exorbitant housing prices hinder me from finding a place. Living in car my means I have no address. The gut punch to my self esteem is tremendous. Finding facilities to shower are challenging; keeping clean is a challenge. Most importantly, feeling like a human being is difficult. Throw in having no housing into the mix and imagine the mental toll people like myself face. Who would like to go an interview let alone ask for an application when they are not clean?
I can only fight one battle at a time. I am weary and I feel as if I’m carrying the Kohala mountains on my back. I would like to ask our elected leaders how they can turn their backs on their own people? People who entrusted and elected them to serve the people. How can they turn a blind eye to our suffering? How can they sleep at night knowing people are in pain and suffering from lack of housing and food insecurity? How? Please explain the callousness towards those who are maybe aren’t deemed worthwhile because we don’t donate to political fundraisers or kowtow to those in power.
I am 50 years old. I never imagined I’d be living in my car. I cannot teach people to be kind, but maybe just maybe this email will touch someone’s heart. I am not looking for a handout. I want change and I want housing where I do not have to work 9.5 jobs to keep it.
Moira Coleman is a Big Island resident without a physical address (“My car is my home”) but has a PO Box in Honokaa.
