Janine

Some people backpack for fun. They consider carrying all of their food and belongings in extreme heat with no running water or facilities a sport. But for millions of Americans living without permanent home, this lifestyle is a never-ending nightmare.

When I met Janine one month ago, she was living in one of Sacramento's now infamous tent cities. She works as a gardener, but does not earn enough income to afford or sustain permanent housing. She says she cannot stay in area homeless shelters because there are not enough beds to meet the demand. Janine has been closely involved in the debacle surrounding Sacramento's tent city. She even spoke about the issue to city council.

Even still, her efforts to improve her situation didn't matter the morning we met. The day I met Janine, tent city residents were told that if they didn't pack their things and leave, they would be arrested. She had saved up enough money to put her belongings in storage, but still did not know where she is going to spend the night. Needless to say, on that dark day, she said her future looked grim.

One of Janine's wishes was for everyone to be on "safe ground," a term used to describe a proposed location where the homeless can camp legally with access to basic needs. I still hope her wish comes true.

// safe ground http://www.sacloaves.org/safeground/

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Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• mark
• horvath
• homeless
• sacramento
• LAist
• tent city
• poverty
• recession
• invisiblepeople.tv
• invisible people

[shar110965]

I thought her 3 wishes were great, shows how unselfish she is, she was not just thinking about herself. I pray that she is doing well, looks like a nice lady.

[funbun5]

@rayreturnz damn, you must have had some terrible parents to raise you to think that way of other people.

[Sassymarkrep]

Instead of telling people to move or ticketing them, why can't the city turn some of these abandoned buildings into shelters or short-term housing? Even in her situation, she's one of the lucky ones who has a job. I pray that everyone in that situation finds a safe way out.

[sarabower1]

fuck I would just move in with some guy untill I got on my feet.

I would resort to crime if I had to

[patsaxon]

Sadly, wages are always keep down as the cost of living rises. Every unskilled job in Austin is paying $8 or less and the cost of living in Austin is very high. Better to have a college degree than deal with poverty.

[MrDarcyzPP]

@asimplecapsule Well then get jobs that aren't minimum wage, network, get to know people who aren't homeless. Or get a few homeless people together and they could rent a place together. I suppose there's a good excuse for that one too.

[MrDarcyzPP]

@funbun5 You must have had terrible parents to raise you to think that way about other peoples' parents.

[MrDarcyzPP]

The only problem about living outdoors is that there are pricks that will take your stuff. Other than that, you're better off. No taxes, fresh air all the time, squirrels are good eating, and you don't have to deal with a phone ringing off the hook.

[abc123lolxxx]

God bless your soul..I hope you get the help you deserve

I'm going to pray for you and all other homeless people out there

If I ever come across a charity for this cause, I'm definitely donating..I don't live in the USA though..nobody over here is homeless..I really hope all your wishes come true :) <3

[BUTLERU]

Her wishes are the same wishes that I pray for, aily. God bless her and her dogs.

[cdltpx]

This lady is very healthy. Seems the only reason she is out doors is for her dogs.

[Nikkidolkar]

She seems like a very strong lady, i hope she is doing good.