After a person does their time, they are released out into the streets with little to no support. As a convicted criminal, it’s nearly impossible to get a job. Many end up homeless. Like this or not, as a taxpayer, we all pay huge tax money per homeless person that’s out on the streets. Our criminal justice system is broken.
Patrick is 53 years old and lives homeless on the streets of Austin, Texas. After 30 years in the prison, Patrick was released to homelessness.
Patrick suffers from mental illness. He has several fingers amputated from his right hand and a dislocated shoulder. Even if there was someone who would hire an ex-felon, Patrick is disabled and cannot work.
He says he’s tried to get out of homelessness, but the cost of housing is too much. Patrick has a sister that tries to help, but she’s hurting too.
Patrick got emotional and asked to stop the interview. I can literally feel Patrick’s pain and frustration. Homelessness is hard. He’s paid the price for whatever crime he committed. There should be support for people like Patrick, but our criminal justice system is broken.
Your voice can help end homelessness. If we do not fix the affordable housing crisis, homelessness will continue to get worse. Click here to tweet, email, call, or Facebook your federal and state legislators to tell them ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing is a priority to you.
