Stories that Demand Change
Housing insecurity affects millions, and behind every number is a real person with a powerful story. Many individuals who have experienced homelessness, are currently unhoused, living in shelters, or struggling to afford rent have courageously shared their lived experiences in support of the Housing Now rally.
As we ask: What causes homelessness? What helps people return to permanent housing? What works to ensure everyone can remain housed?—we must center the voices of those most impacted.
Every story is sacred. But retelling these stories can be re-traumatizing, which is why it’s essential for educators, service providers, and advocates to create safe, respectful spaces for people to share on their own terms. The only true path to ending homelessness lies in the expertise, leadership, and experiences of those who have lived it.
With so many harmful stereotypes about people experiencing homelessness, hearing directly from those impacted is a powerful way to break down stigma and build understanding. These stories remind us that homelessness is not an identity—it is a crisis that demands urgent, systemic change.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has shared their story so far. Your voices are helping shift the narrative, inspire action, and demand housing as a basic human right.
Read the stories below from NCH advocates with lived experience—and if you’d like to share your own, we welcome your voice.
Maria Taylor knows what it’s like to sleep in a car, to not know where she will go next, and to feel like the world would rather turn away than help.
Jessica Temmen suffers from PTSD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, and ADHD. She is struggling with her mental health and is currently homeless, living in her car.
Jennifer Ortiz was born and raised in the Bronx, New York. She is a second-generation Puerto Rican, raised in a family where addiction, mental illness, and trauma were all around her.
L. Michelle Bush recently joined the National Coalition for the Homeless as grant manager. Her previous affiliation with the organization was as a formerly homeless speaker on the speaker's bureau some 20 years ago. A Washington DC native, Bush has a professional background in finance, management, operations, and training in the corporate, public, and private sectors. She has worked with the Baltimore City Government, Make-A-Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee, National Civic League, RE/Max, and the US Department of Health and Human Services, among others. Through her consulting practice, she has helped to start many thriving businesses. A woman of many talents, triumphs and defeats, Bush is an energetic preacher-teacher and motivator who pastors an online church fellowship from the inner city. In the summer, she hosts a seasonal specialty product showcase featuring minority-owned businesses. Bush is a mother of 3 talented young adults and “Nana” to two geniuses.
