Encounter with Homelessness

Tonight, students had the special opportunity to hear two guest speakers from the National Coalition for the Homelessness (NCH). Joanne Jackson and John Harrison are both residents of Washington DC and are both formerly homeless. JAMers listened with rapt attention as Joanne and John told their personal stories. Joanne talked about pulling herself up from a childhood of poverty to become a successful businesswoman, before being dragged back down into homelessness due to a substance abuse problem. John's story may have come even closer to students' hearts—he was a successful pioneer in the early days of the computer industry, but lost his livelihood in lay-offs and his home to a fire. Students cheered when he announced that he had just reached three months living off the streets.

As a teacher, it was a great pleasure to watch the students really trying to identify with the speakers they were listening to. They showed obvious emotion throughout the presentation stories (the young woman sitting in front of me was quietly sobbing as John gave his story) and afterwards asked incisive and sensitive questions. Many students shared that they thought that Joanne and John were the best speakers of the program so far, and they felt much better equipped to make a difference in regard to a problem they encounter everyday here in Washington DC and at home.

Perhaps when the JAMers visit Capitol Hill next week they will remember Joanne and John—and maybe convince their legislators that it is time that remember them as well.

For more information on the National Coalition for Homelessness visit http://www.nationalhomeless.org/

-Adam
Teacher, Ethics of War and Peace