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40 Days of Homelessness

In 2010, Sapphire Jule King voluntarily lives homeless to understand the needs of vulnerable families as a continuation of the Walk a Week in Your Shoes campaign. Her journey of discovery quickly turns into unexpected territory where she learns hidden truths about the treatment of vulnerable individuals and her own beliefs. 40 Days of Homelessness: “Baring” the Chains of Psychological Slavery is the real-time account of her 40-day journey in a shelter and five months in Single Room Occupancy (SRO) transitional housing that lead to her vision, research, writing, and advocacy for the Rhode Island Homeless Bill of Rights.

Day 39: Bill of Rights Meeting

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 39: Support for the Bill of Rights for the Homeless and a transitional housing offer

Day 36: Mental Illness Question Again

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 36: Things that make you go hmmm. Being asked to obtain a fraudulent mental health diagnosis just to receive housing services

Day 35: Lost Intake Form

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 35: Things that make you go hmmm. Amidst the gaining traction for the Bill of Rights of the Homeless, the shelter wants a do-over

Day 16: Not Yielding to Opposition

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 16: There are dark forces and light forces. Darkness is attracted to the light, and dark energy tries to get you off course, throw you off track.

Day 15: Reflecting-The Quiet Life or the Crusade?

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 15: respect is in the alignment of actions and words’ self-reflections on service to family vs. service to others; no room at the inn

Day 14: Led to Make a Difference

40 Days of Homelessness:
Day 14: A series of fortunate events leads to the community debut of the Homeless Bill of Rights