My name is Cody Brown, I am 53 and I’ve been homeless since 17.

My parents
didn’t look after my well-being. I was found miles away from my family. I was
young, younger than 2 years old and I was picked up in a basket. That’s where I
was dropped off.
I was put in a foster home which was very strict. They didn’t give me a chance
to be who I am. I was kicked out of the house because I was no longer wanted
by the government, and I was no longer wanted by the family. So, I set out on
my own which was scary. I lived underneath bridges to start with… I lived
underneath stairwells.
In my opinion, one reason why I am homeless and why other people are
homeless was that there was no structure in my family. You have to be nurtured
when you’re growing up. I’m sure a lot of things is our choice. But given the
opportunity, not just to say “Here, have some of our money”, but to have access
to schooling. Because I can’t afford schooling, I can’t afford housing, and that’s
what homelessness is all about.
It’s about money. You can’t live without money, unfortunately. So, make more
affordable housing in affordable areas. Because I don’t want to have my food
stolen, I want to have my own place. I wish there weren’t any homeless.
You know, the government has got to take a real serious look and not just apply
a Band-Aid for so many years. Look after the homeless the way you would
want to be looked after, not just like I said earlier… not just handouts, not just
giving something while hoping that we go away like stray dogs, be more
sincere. I am disappointed with the way we’re treated. We need more people
involved, more people to see what’s going on.
The more we get together, and show our story. Hopefully, it’ll improve the way
people think of homelessness and homeless people.
Worksheet 1

1. In which part of the world is homelessness an issue?

A. The United States of America
B. Almost everywhere
C. Every place you go around the world

2. What sometimes affects our ability to have compassion for the homeless?
A. few opportunities to volunteer
B. little contact with people everyday
C. poor understanding of the homeless

3. About _________ people are homeless in the United States.

A. 400,000
B. 450,000
C. 500,000

4. About ___________ percent of people who are homeless suffer from a mental health
issue.
A. 15
B. 20
C. 25

5. Even though 25% of the homeless have jobs, they __________.

A. sometimes can't find jobs that interest them
B. often have to travel a long way to their workplace
C. don't earn enough money to pay for their expenses

6. Randall talks about a time when he and his wife ________________.

A. gave money to the poor
B. volunteered at a homeless shelter
C. bought dinner for a man
Worksheet 2
1. How long had Cody been homeless for?
___________________________________________________________

2. Why did Cody think he was no longer wanted by the government or his
foster home family?
___________________________________________________________

3. What is homelessness according to Cody?

___________________________________________________________

4. Why did Cody tell the government to make more affordable housing?
___________________________________________________________

5. Why was Cody not pleased with how the homeless were being treated?
___________________________________________________________

6. What was Cody’s suggestion regarding the method of changing the

community’s perception of homeless people?
___________________________________________________________