Angel’s Story: “Don’t give up - that’s what I’d tell people who are still homeless.”

Winter Walk believes that ending homelessness starts with ending stigma. Our mission is to uplift the voices of those who have experienced homelessness, breaking down negative images and stereotypes through storytelling and education. Our work is grounded in the belief that raising awareness through personal stories helps create lasting systemic change. By lifting these voices, we strive to foster understanding and create meaningful impact.

Angel, whose story was featured at our 2025 Winter Walk in Boston, has generously offered to tell you their story here on our blog. 

Angel experienced trauma as a child; their experience with homelessness began in their late teens. “Mom died when I was young. My dad, he’s okay, but he and I didn’t work living together.” Like many others experiencing homelessness, finding shelter wasn’t easy at first. “When I was first homeless, I stayed everywhere: on people's couches, shelters like Pine Street, sometimes my Pop's house, and programs like Father Bill's.” 

Angel remained unhoused or in programs for a few years, through their early 20’s. 

“I was all over the place for a few years - I even stayed for a while at a shelter all the way out in Springfield. The shelters could be chaotic. Sometimes that can happen. I just wish they didn't have to wake us up so early. But sometimes, when it was cold, you could sleep in.”  When staying in shelters, Angel dreamed of a place to call their own. “When I was living in the shelter, I would imagine having my own apartment. I wanted to be able to just live by myself.”

Communal living was the first stop on Angel’s path towards being housed. 

“I started with communal living. The first program I was in was one where you shared kitchens and bathrooms and stuff. It was not a one bedroom, but then eventually I worked my way up to apartments. I took what came, and then I got more. ”

Happily, eventually Angel accepted the keys to their first apartment, and decided to welcome a special roommate into their space, a rescue cat named Star.

“Having my own place is great! It is peaceful. I love having my own bathroom. I don't have to wait for anybody, and nobody has to wait for me.” 

Angel has lived on their own for years, and their goal is to become a writer.

“I wrote for Spare Change News for a while but want to focus more on national topics. Now I’m with Black Seed Writer’s Group, working on prose and poetry with the BSWG staff. I want to make something of my writing.”

Angel has a message for anyone currently experiencing homelessness.

“Don't give up - that's what I'd tell people who are still homeless. You will get housing if you want it and work for it. And find a place to be part of, like I did. Don't ever give up!”