When I first met Randy, long before I started recording video, he told me about how he lived a normal life and then ending up with only the clothes on his back. I didn’t know until this interview it was because of a bad divorce. Listening to Randy speak reminded me of when LAPD illegally gave me a half hour to leave a house I was renting. They would not even allow me a moment to say goodbye to my dog. Situations like what Randy talks about do happen, and they can be devastating.
Randy was broken down and ended up homeless. “I hated God, I hated life, I hated everything. I was living the American Dream”, Randy’s words probably hits home to far too many people these days.
Randy’s story is the story of America’s mobile homeless. Luckily, he found St. Vincent de Paul and was able to get some dignity back. Randy started to volunteer, which helped build back his self-esteem. There is no magic pill to getting out of a crisis except helping others until you can help yourself again.
Today, Randy parks his RV with St. Vincent de Paul “Overnight Parking Program” , where they have built mutually beneficial relationships with business owners. I interviewed the program manager and you can learn more here.
I love Randy’s wish of helping others, especially those who may have given up on themselves.
Special thanks to St. Vincent de Paul
