Gale Filter

From the ❤️: “good trouble” imagery, a roof for Virginia. In the upcoming month, Virginia will receive the keys to her newly acquired studio apartment after enduring nearly a decade of homelessness. Her journey has been fraught with challenges.

In March 2023, I encountered Virginia sitting on a curb outside a convenience store. I inquired about her well-being, to which she responded, “I got ripped off again! They steal everything.” Shortly thereafter, Virginia was diagnosed with cancer. While her cancer is in remission, the chemotherapy and radiation therapy have had a detrimental impact on her health. At the age of 66, Virginia remains resilient.

In January 2026, I observed Virginia rising from a night spent sleeping in a parking lot. She was wearing flannel shirts wrapped around her hands. I inquired about her condition, to which she replied, “I am freezing. Someone stole my shoes!” Virginia was wearing wet socks. The flannel shirts were being used to keep her hands warm.

Virginia has been swept several times. A homeless encampment sweep is the forced removal of unhoused people and their personal property from public spaces like sidewalks, parks, or underpasses. On one sweep Virginia was forced to leave behind her clothes and sleeping bag.

For Virginia, the new apartment represents a blend of relief and optimism. It will enable her to prioritize her health and reconnect with her family and friends. Virginia will no longer be homeless.

#hope #life #cancer #poverty #America