I didn't feel comfortable taking the things that people were dropping off, but the people at Crossroads insisted I did. They told me that people brought those things there just for me and that they wanted me to have them.

A lot of doors could open for me that night. I have a job now as a server at a restaurant but I really want something full-time and I am hoping to meet some people that night that might be able to point me in the right direction. Plus, I am so nervous about speaking in front of all those people.

That wasn't the end of it, either. This man and his lady friend, that I knew nothing about before this, came to the shelter and offered me a way out.

I am pretty much a person of my word and I told myself I would get myself out of this and I knew somehow I would.

Public opinion has shifted. You can feel it.

It should be easier for them now. The voice is there.