This is the story of a 38-year-old man who became homeless in Denver after a series of health challenges and bureaucratic setbacks. Originally from Kansas, he moved to Colorado with hopes of better opportunities and some support from friends. While trying to transition off disability and rejoin the workforce, he faced a neck surgery, was overworked at Dollar Tree, and lost his benefits due to a paperwork issue. That led directly to him being forced out onto the streets.
While homeless, he injured his ankle, which worsened due to the inability to properly rest or heal. Only when COVID hit did he get access to a hotel through a city program, which allowed him to finally have surgery. The experience left him deeply humbled, reflective about the public's perception of homelessness, and critical of both government apathy and societal judgment.
