Beyond Charity

A few days shy of her 55th birthday, DeBorah finds herself living in a homeless women's shelter. Her education and accomplishments to this point say that she should not be there, however, the reality of her lack of income and inability to maintain housing insists otherwise. Attitudes, myths, and perceptions about poverty provide the backdrop for advocacy towards a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness and call for the right to counsel for people facing eviction. Justice and equity considerations, systematic and institutional dynamics, and the trauma of homelessness frame this personal journey of loss, enlightenment, and empowerment. Endorsement: Beyond Charity: A Sojourner's Reflections on Homelessness, Advocacy, Empowerment, and Hope by Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White is much more powerful than just reflections on homelessness. It is a "Call to Action." Those of us who are compassionate, spiritual beings, must become activists, to ensure that our people are living in safe, affordable housing. She points out that the propaganda, about the homeless population, has been created to elicit both a lack of empathy and a lack of action. We must correct this inhumane condition that impacts over 2.5 million children, with another 15% of the population in each state, struggling with housing insecurity. Our preconceived notions, of homelessness, are not accidental and are challenged, in Dr. Gilbert White's book. Over half, of those who are homeless, are Melanics (People of Color). Her book is a frightening reminder, that those of us who live in comfortable homes could become homeless, overnight, due to a myriad of circumstances, including mental illness, COVID-19, ageism, and racism. Dr. Gilbert White is a dedicated, advocate who presents a compelling statement about why and how the United States of America must make housing our people, and passing a bill of rights for the homeless, a priority. Everyone deserves housing! -Dr. Ayo Maria Gooden, President Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists About the Author: DeBorah Gilbert White is a social psychologist, diversity and inclusion expert, educator, and social justice advocate. She is the founder of HerStory Ensemble LLC, a community-based organization focused on the social and economic empowerment of women who are experiencing homelessness, formerly homeless, and at risk of homelessness. She continues to work for protective and equitable homeless policies and legislation, and for housing as a human right locally and nationally.