A Home? Or Just A Roof?

Technically, we were homeless for a year

But it was implied by society that we should be thankful

But it wasn’t a home

We did have a roof over our head

But it wasn’t a home

We shared a teeny, tiny room

But it wasn’t a home

We were cramped and miserable

But it wasn’t a home

But again, it was implied we should be thankful because it was a roof over our head

But it wasn’t a home

The lack of privacy

The unsanitary conditions

The safety concerns

The deterioration of our mental health

The decrease in access to safe food

The decrease in access to food PERIOD

The lack of common sense from the other inhabitants

Because if we took on one task (like cleaning the kitchen), we’d ‘own it’ and get no help

With an expectation that we’d take over other tasks with no help

It meant we’d be in charge of doing EVERYTHING there

Which resulted in us staying out of sight and hidden as much as much

But the toxic behavior was still there

Which was exacerbated by the alcoholism

Which resulted in screaming matches

Even hearing the random use of a dryer as a drum, which made a ‘lovely’ wake up call in the middle of the night

But it was still a roof over our head, right?

But not a home

And the judgements that went with it

‘You can leave any time you want’

Despite a housing crisis going on

Where affordable housing is an issue for many

Because rent is sky high

It took us 2 years to find something

TWO YEARS

Even then, it’s still not ideal

Nor is it home

A roof is a roof

But we need a home