The universal trait I’ve found in my 4 decades of stumbling along trying to help families experiencing homelessness is trauma. Your poignant and astute observations, reflect the impact of this too-common adversity on the mental and physical health of countless people. What continues to vex me is how we expect the most from those who’ve suffered cPTSD. The parents, mostly single moms, struggling with the weight of their trauma, have to raise their kids, often lacking even the scantest of resources and support, many without a place to call home.

As I get to know the Three Melissas of our book, The Three Melissas - the Practical Guide to Surviving Family Homelessness, I have even deeper respect for these mostly-discarded sheroes whose love for their kids goes beyond what society will ever acknowledge.

Thanks, Annie, for your enlightened sharing which helps all of us realize the impact of trauma on our lives and those around us.