A few days shy of her 55th birthday, DeBorah finds herself living in
a homeless women's shelter. Her education and accomplishments to this
point say that she should not be there; however, the reality of her
lack of income and inability to maintain housing insists otherwise.
Attitudes, myths, and perceptions about poverty provide the backdrop
for advocacy towards a bill of rights for people experiencing
homelessness and call for the right to counsel for people facing
eviction. Justice and equity considerations, systematic and
institutional dynamics, and the trauma of homelessness frame this
personal journey of loss, enlightenment, and empowerment.
“Beyond
Charity: A Sojourner's Reflections on Homelessness, Advocacy,
Empowerment, and Hope, by Dr. DeBorah Gilbert White, is much more
powerful than just reflections on homelessness. It is a "Call to
Action." Those of us who are compassionate, spiritual beings,
must become activists, to ensure that our people are living in safe,
affordable housing. She points out that the propaganda, about the
homeless population, has been created to elicit both a lack of
empathy and a lack of action. We must correct this inhumane condition
that impacts over 2.5 million children, with another 15% of the
population in each state, struggling with housing insecurity. Our
preconceived notions, of homelessness, are not accidental and are
challenged, in Dr. Gilbert White's book. Over half, of those who are
homeless, are Melanics (People of Color). Her book is a frightening
reminder, that those of us who live in comfortable homes could become
homeless, overnight, due to a myriad of circumstances, including
mental illness, COVID-19, ageism, and racism. Dr. Gilbert White is a
dedicated, advocate who presents a compelling statement about why and
how the United States of America must make housing our people, and
passing a bill of rights for the homeless, a priority. Everyone
deserves housing!”
-Dr. Ayo Maria
Gooden, President Delaware Valley Association of Black Psychologists