When you see a person experiencing homelessness on the side of the road, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Do you think to yourself that you could never be in a similar position?

It Can Happen to You: The True Stories Behind Waltham's Homeless Community brings together the stories of 17 individuals experiencing homelessness and equips you with the tools to reach out to your local homeless community to make a difference.

You’ll read about:

Serena*, a woman from a wealthy background who suffered sexual and emotional abuse from a young age, becoming homeless in the blink of an eye when she lost her apartment to a burst pipe.

Chris*, a Vietnam War Vet who battled PTSD and escaped to live the hippie life in Maui, Hawaii, returning to civilization to eventually oversee programs that benefit the homeless.

Pierce*, a man who, rather than stay with his cheating wife, chose a life of homelessness.

There is no “correct” or “standard” way to become homeless. It Could Happen to You aims to resonate with the hearts of those who read it, with hopes that they will learn to look past stereotypes, to see the truth.

*Names have been changed.