In this episode of Life on Skid Row, we take a closer look at the life of Brenda, a disabled mother who has been through a roller coaster of hardships. Originally from Texas, Brenda’s journey has taken her from New Jersey to Sacramento, where her life and family fell apart due to her and her children’s father’s substance abuse disorders. Despite losing her three young children to child protective services, Brenda has been determined to regain her life. Still, sadly, it’s nearly impossible while on the streets in Los Angeles’s Skid Row. Real or imagined, Brenda holds onto the dream of reuniting with her children.
Over the years, Brenda has struggled with drug addiction, going in and out of treatment facilities with varying levels of success. Without a stable place to call home, she’s been living on the streets, couch surfing with friends, and relying on public transportation to survive. But even with all these challenges, Brenda remains determined to overcome her addiction and find both a drug treatment program and permanent housing.
We’ll hear Brenda’s story as she shares her experiences of living on Skid Row and her ongoing search for her family. This is a heartbreaking story of one woman’s resilience and determination to turn her life around despite overwhelming odds and how people need a purpose to hold onto.
Produced by Adam Trunell
More stories from Life on Skid Row:
Life on Skid Row: Happy Monday
Life on Skid Row: Panhandlers Are People Fighting to Survive Homelessness
Life on Skid Row: Flowers Helped a Homeless Veteran Find Forgiveness
