Tent City

My first time at Tent City
I was a guest.
I was very hesitant
My mind was quickly put to rest,
I was introduced to many
and started on my quest.

I was helped in many ways,
I even became a vendor
but I was very uncomfortable
when the revelation hit that I was homeless.

I was sleeping on the sofa

Myself with Amanda  founder of Toledo Streets Newspaper. 

at my fathers house,
with no understanding
that I was "surfing" his couch.

My outlook on homelessness
was a man living under a bridge
Not my on-again-off-again staying with family.

My second time at tent city I was no longer a guest,
a guide is what I had become, goodbye to the past.
I have my own place, I'm no longer homeless.
I am able to give back to those who feel hopeless.

Representing as a guide and helping people
is something that I am very thankful for.
Being a guide the third year at tent city
has made me become such a better person.
Sharing the love that I have for the homeless
is something I learned
at Tent City.

Pamela Renee Schneider