Homeless people reveal one fact about their past and each revelation will break your heart

Every person has a past, an experience that has affected their present life. Sometimes, life doesn’t treat one fairly and they find themselves in the shackles of heart-wrenching realities that were never part of their dream.  Nevertheless, they keep moving forward persistently and refuse to give up. CFC Homelessness shared a touching video of several individuals who were homeless but had powerful pasts and experiences connected to them. Each of these individuals had stories to tell, some heartbreaking, some inspiring. The video captured people of different ages and backgrounds revealing facts about their lives that no one could guess just by looking at them. In one statement, they gave away how unpredictable life can be and that we should never judge a book by its cover. 

The video started with a middle-aged man holding a placard the text on which read, “I used to build robots.” One can only imagine the skill and intellect he had to be doing something so great and the shattering experience that may have snatched it all away from him. Another strongly said, “Lost it all. Starting over!” Yet another woman defined perseverance in her valuable statement. She wrote, “Having epileptic seizures for 10 years. Still fighting.” Right from families, finances, and careers, these people seemed to have lost everything but one important factor: their willpower. Another woman wrote, “I was a personal trainer, believe it or not!” Her current appearance wasn’t what one would expect of a trainer. But in her hand, she held a pamphlet, old and worn-out, presumably of a picture of herself advertising her services, when she was fit and fine.

Another homeless man wrote, “I once had a scholarship to play baseball.” A woman mentioned that she had a job and that’s when everyone’s perspective shifted. When we think homeless, we may be looking only at those who are jobless and unable to earn. However, the woman revealed that in spite of having a job, she was still homeless. A few other placards read, “I am a computer geek,” “I am recovering from open heart surgery,” and so on. “I was born deaf,” an elderly man wrote. But he still had the love and smiles for the world. The next few placards revealed the harsh turns life can take just like that. “I speak 4 languages,” a man wrote. “Another said, “I was a figure skater.” “I used to go to modeling school,” another young woman said.

“I have Huntington’s but I don’t let things get me down,” a man revealed. Another man added, “I was on the Buffalo Bills squad from 1998-2000.” Still, another mom mentioned that she and her son escaped domestic violence. For some, the escape from their past is a winning battle, for others, a treasure lost. However, they are paving their way forward. “I have a degree in Biology from West Virginia University,” a man wrote. Another added, “I have stage 2 lung cancer.” “I surrendered my kids to save them from homelessness,” a mom revealed a heartwrenching truth about her life. Toward the end of the video, the placard left a message for all, “Rethink Homelessness.” The video touched the hearts of millions. @scottman1298 wrote, “You thought you knew.  Now, open your eyes again. This is heartbreaking and awesome.” @wassilahowes4583 added, “Heartbreaking and powerful! Best wishes here for a better future for all.”

A few others could relate to the video a lot as it hit close to home. "This hits very close to home! Not everyone becomes homeless because they use drugs/alcohol. I will be homeless in a few days because the nursing home my mother is in is claiming my family home as payment for her care. I have no friends or family left and no other options available," wrote @pmsnowraven4211. @ariellewilmot added, "I was homeless from age 16-19 in Boston as a runaway. Only one shelter would let me in before 18, so many nights were spent sleeping outside with a group of kids my age. We would get many stares and "get a job" or "go home" comments. The whole time I was working at Boston College's food service program and going to school. I got my GED by 16 and my Bachelor's from Lesley by 18. Never judge someone before knowing their story."