Having worked in the field of human services for over 20 years, I've encountered people having various barriers that are impact people’s lives due to developmental disability, mental illness and/or substance abuse. While many of the barriers presented are fairly concrete things to address, a significant one, and one that is a bit harder to manage is the lack of understanding and compassion regarding the experience of homelessness. Many of us take our daily activities for granted, like having the opportunity to go home (shelter), take a shower (warm running water), freshen the body (hygiene), and enjoy a healthy meal (food). There are many that are not given the same privilege. There are thousands of people who are homeless, residing on the
