One of the best things about Laundry Love is the friends I have made over the last few months. I look forward to seeing them each time and talking to them has really changed my perspective on some things. Recently I asked one of them if I could pick his brain a little bit about his situation and this is from the email he sent me. Let’s call him Dexter.

So Dexter, how did you end up on the street to begin with?

“First off my homelessness is on account of myself. (I ran into some costly legal problems) I didn’t think that that would kill me but soon after that my employer needed attrition to justify reducing the work force and my situation was of great convenience to them, that being said I lost my job and found myself thrust into a vacuum which became harder and harder to recover from.”

You had nowhere else to stay?

“After sleeping on friends and families couches I knew that the inevitable, due in part to the worsening economy, was merely a matter of time.”

What was it like?

“My first couple of day’s outside I couldn’t accept the reality, I thought this isn’t really happening to me. Boy, was I wrong. When the realization did finally occur to me my thoughts turned to bettering myself in this bleak and sometimes depressing dilemma.”

How did Laundry Love help?

“One of the many blessed things to occur for me was Laundry Love/Santa Ana. Through your organization I was able to wash all my clothes as they had become un-wearable. As anyone knows, clean clothes even when you live in a house, can significantly change your outlook and attitude, even more so when one is living on the streets. However Laundry Love/Santa Ana did more than just pay (for laundry) and provide for me. Through them I was uplifted on many a cold night with their warm words and honest encouragement for my well being. They are truly a wonderful group of caring individuals.”

Any final thoughts Dexter?

“As a military veteran I found an exit strategy for my situation and finally left the street’s. Laundry Love/Santa Ana is not a means to the end, but rather a comfort amid the maelstrom that is homelessness. Thank you so very much for what you did for me to ease me through my doubts, I am truly indebted to you.”

Dexter’s story really showed me just how easy it can be to end up homeless. That all takes, especially with the economy of the last couple of years, is a bad investment, legal or medical costs, an injury or lost job and people who never dreamed they would end up homeless can find themselves sleeping on the streets.

In my intro I mentioned that this was from an email. That’s right, an email, because I am truly happy to announce that Dexter is no longer on the streets! Through his military connections he has been accepted into a veteran housing plan. For the next two years he will have a place to stay while he looks for work and tries to get back on his feet.

I am not writing these things to pat ourselves on the back but hopefully offer encouragement to all those who have helped with Laundry Love. To show you that our actions really do matter and can make a difference. Sometimes when I see the needs of the homeless it seems overwhelming and hopeless, yet here is an example of how one man got off the streets- proof it can be done.

For the record Dexter, you are not indebted to us at all! Laundry is the least we can do to help our friends in need. However, next time we have Laundry Love come on out! We’d love to see you again, only this time not as somebody in need but as someone who beat the odds and is now on the other side of things!