After 17 Years Homeless, Jossalyn Is Now in Housing

I aggressively tried to get Jossalyn help, but I could not get outreach teams to visit that alley no matter how hard I tried. Jossalyn suffers from anxiety and mental illness. She cannot go to an office to sit with a case manager, and homeless services are only now slowly starting to bring services like housing to homeless people.

On my last few trips to LA, Jossalyn was not in her normal spot, at least the times when I looked. I was worried. Living on the streets is dangerous. Although I hope for the best, I fear the worst. Then on Facebook, Jossalyn's profile pops up as a recommended friend. We facilitate an online support group for homeless people, so I am used to homeless and formerly homeless people being online, but seeing Jossalyn on Facebook was a surprise. I messaged her asking, "Is this really you?" She responds with, "Yes, I'm doing a lot better but still DT on hill 😉." That's Jossalyn's normal spot, so I asked her when she'd be there next.

My heart jumped seeing her, but wait - Jossalyn is no longer homeless - JOSSALYN IS NOW IN HOUSING! That is a miracle! I never thought Jossayn would get into housing, not because of her not wanting to go into housing, but because homeless services are broken.

I love talking to Jossayln. This is an insightful interview because we talk candidly about how homeless people placed into housing need a purpose and tangible social interaction. For Jossayln, she still takes a train to hang out in her same spot every day, but now that she is in housing, she doesn't stay as long as she used to, which is why I kept missing her.

After living in that alley for 17 years, Jossayln has a community there. The store owners know her. She has regulars that walk by and give her money. Jossayln still dumpster dives, but now instead of going through the trash to survive, it's her hobby.

The two big lessons here are that everyone can get housed, and to keep people in housing, we need to give people a purpose. For Jossayln, she already has a community and purpose. Others may not have that. After a homeless person is placed into housing, there is not a lot for them to do. This is a real problem. Jossayln created her own purpose or went back to what she knew, however, homeless services needs to give out a way for the people they house to thrive, not just survive.

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#homeless #losangeles #coronavirus
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About Invisible People

There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.

We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.

Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.

[itsblitzzz]

Yay Jossalyn!!! So glad to see she has permanent housing and support! ❤️

[kipmay]

She is a beautiful example that the solution to homelessness is housing.

[lizzieb]

I’m so glad she has a home now! Excellent news! God bless!

[leighwalton]

She was so delighted when you said you had looked for her. Wonderful news. Xxx

[Yakoable]

Hi, I want to let you know I am deeply admiring of your whole project. There is a famous line about giving a voice to those who don't have one, and I believe that you are the embodiment of this line. Your obvious empathy hurts you in the process and yet you keep going again and again. It is quite humbling. You are the kind of person that makes me proud to be human, and I thank you for this.

[prieten]

When I was young (in the 1960s), I collected aluminum cans and deposit bottles in my extended neighborhood. It was like prospecting for gold. My dad probably spent more on gasoline driving me and my cans to the recycling center than I got for the cans, but I was still proud. Merry Christmas and a happy and safe New Year everyone!

[nicoleonfeels]

So happy to see Josaalyn’s life turn around

[tomasr]

Wow, 17 years on the concrete, people are resilent and strong, love how Jossalyn rises above. Many blessings.

[RetailWithDanelle]

Best wishes Josslyn. Great video Mark. It's nice to know she's getting some "treat yourself" money😊 Appreciate your content and your educational mission Mark.

[UndergroundUncle]

I used to collect cans just to give to a local homeless man who used to come and dumpster dive in my old apartment.
Having been homeless three times in my life I know the feeling of the struggle, and anything I can do to help someone else in that situation is the least I can do in my opinion.
So glad Joss has a home now. Such a beautiful site to see people get off the streets. It takes one act of kindness to change a life, even for a moment.
Stay kind everyone.

[Panicatthejazz]

I’m loving these housing updates! Good for her.

[mr.stewart]

She is such a beautiful soul. Im so happy for her

[tinawilliford]

Such a blessing, truly excited for her.

[Franaflyby]

Finally some good news!!
I wish you well ma'am.

[traveldreamer]

May you continue to stay strong. Your message Jossalyn is one of resilience. Good bless. Thanks for being a voice Mark.

[mollydior]

I'm so glad for you that life has turned around for the better for you..
The lesson is to appreciate what you have.. & be patient & never give up... You certainly are a strong minded..
Happy Days!!Happy nights!!Happy Life!:-)🙏🧡

[StarsHearts]

Good for you J! And may this story inspire as many people as possible! Better tomorrow’s

[ummhalil]

It's nice to see this lady in doors, wish everybody who needs housing gets it

[deandunbar]

A BEAUTIFUL WONDERFUL LADY GOD BLESS FROM UK
X❤X

[willforeverpubg]

God has answer her prayers and blessings with a place, she can call home sweet home..I like to thank the organization for not only getting her housing, But getting stuff that she need for her new home.