Real Stories: Meet Debbie

by Mark Horvath · 2008-12-25 02:53:00 UTC
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Debbie from invisible people on Vimeo.

Debbie is a mother of three and has been homeless off and on for 16 years. She lives in a camping trailer with five other people off a side street in Hollywood.

In most cases, the "mobile homeless" (those living in vehicles) are new to the streets. Many have just lost their job and apartment and are doing everything they can to keep their car. Usually, these newly homeless need basic outreach services to get back on their feet and become financially independent.

Sadly, the mobile homeless are becoming more common in our weak economy, yet in some areas of the country, such as LA County, it is illegal to live in a vehicle. Advocates are trying to change the law in LA but face fierce resistance from potential abutters in areas pegged for rezoning. Seems the mobile homeless are unwanted throughout the city.

Since the holiday was just two days away, I asked Debbie if she had any plans. But to Debbie, and other homeless people across the country, Christmas is just another day to survive.

Mark Horvath is an activist for the homeless. He vlogs at invisiblepeople.tv and blogs at hardlynormal.com. He was formerly homeless in Hollywood.
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