Saturday, March 15, 2014
Fantastic Blog that featured me in 2009.
Check this blog out. Her photos are very inspirational and capture the moment. I really want to get back into photography for stuff like this.
Shelter from the Storm.
Urgent! Help me get off the streets and continue my education.
Hello, my name is Joshua and I am homeless in Central Park in NYC. I have been struggling with many issues including being physically/emotionally disabled and homeless for over a decade.
On April 19, 2003 I fell while rock climbing in Moab, Utah. I shattered vertebrae in my lower back and fractured my left ankle and leg in the fall. After laying there for 15 hours, unable to move, I was rescued and airlifted to Grand Junction, Colorado where I underwent spinal fusion surgery. Later the same day I had a second surgery to put screws and metal plates in my left leg. I spent 6 weeks in the hospital and was discharged, homeless, onto the streets in a wheelchair. Talk about a crash course in human nature. That is a story that could fill a book.
After three weeks living on the streets of Grand Junction, Catholic Charities bought me a bus ticket to Salt Lake City. That was the beginning of a very long and painful process. I had to teach myself to walk again from a wheel chair while urban camping in the Sugar House neighborhood of Salt Lake City. 2003 was a very difficult year but I survived.
The first five years after my accident were very physically painful but it did get better. My pain level is still high due to nerve damage but I have kicked bad habits and learned pain management. After bouncing around from place to place and shelter to shelter I found myself in New York City. Tired of running from my problems I have decided to stay put. I have a few friends across the river in New Jersey and they have helped me as much as they are able. It is time to get off the streets and into a safe place. 11 years after my accident I am still homeless and struggling. I realize that I have significant responsibility for my situation and nonetheless I could use a hand up to live a normal life again.
I will link the story of my accident and rescue in the comments section. Right now I am in dire need of help getting off the streets. In the newspaper classifieds I see rooms in New Jersey going for $200 a week. Most of them are asking for a few weeks up front plus security deposit. Right now I am seeking help with 2 to 3 months rent until mid-Spring and warmer weather. In the mean time I will take advantage of that limited stability to complete my application for disability and find a permanent way off the streets. This cold weather is holding me down and I could use a leg up. Anything you can donate will help. Thank you in advance. If you need any clarification let me know. My family is unable to help in any significant way. I am 39 years old and on my own.
I want to go back to school to learn a trade I can work with my disability and eventually support myself. All of my energy and focus is wasted on surviving these cold streets when I could be working on quality of life and bettering myself. I think one day soon I could be helping others in my same situation. Can you please help me help myself and others? I will pay it forward when I am able.
Love and light,
Joshua
https://www.youcaring.com/help-a-neighbor/shelter-from-the-storm-/146311
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