I became homeless as a result of my own actions. Of course, no one wakes up one day, living in a comfortable house with amenities that he worked for years to obtain, and says, "I'm tired of this; I think I will go for homelessness instead." But I had problems that resisted solution, in desperation I made some choices that proved disastrous, and I ended up losing the two houses that I owned and in time being unable even to rent an apartment or room. Although I was working, the government garnished 2/3 of my after-tax income, which left me unable to pay rent.
My period of inability to pay for housing began in mid-2001, and just ended in September, 2003. Until June, 2002 I was able to stay with friends. After that, I slept outdoors, and during the winter in a non-operational van that a co-worker gave to me, until I was able to convince the government to reduce their garnishments, moved into a higher-paying position with my employers, and saved a few dollars to cover the deposit on an apartment.
I learned a lot from the experience, and in some ways I actually recommend it for a limited period of time, but I wouldn't wish for anyone to be forced into it involuntarily. It can be pretty harsh - and I never did end up sleeping in a park, under a bridge, or on the steps of the church, as many do.
It's particularly hard when something like this happens to a person in mid-life or later. It is perhaps easier for a younger person to imagine himself or herself bouncing back and creating a better life in the future. I'm only a half-century old, and in very good health, though, so I am concentrating on building the life I want from here on out.
Cruithne