Why I Walk

CARMELLA’S STORY

Carmella was one of our amazing speakers our very first year of the walk in 2017. She shared her experience of homelessness and how our partner, Brookview House, helped her as she followed and accomplished her dreams. She shares a few thoughts here.

There was a time when I was homeless with my children. The experience changed my life with the help of Brookview House who taught me how to take steps into stability with my children, with their assistance my education has evolved.  I have been successful in my journey by receiving my CNA, my grant writing certificate from HUD and I now am a recent graduate of New England Hair Academy of 2020. I’ve worked with families at a New England Pediatrics for terminally ill children, Centerboard Homeless young mothers and their children as an advocate. I’ve also spent ten years at Mission Main Tenant Task Force at Mission Main Development preventing evictions and helping low income families. Throughout the years, I have worked in many partnerships and with organizations who work to benefit their community.

In 2017, I participated in a 2 mile walk at the first Annual Winter Walk as a speaker telling my story and addressing the needs of Boston’s homeless community with my own circumstances. When I spoke in public about my struggle at the Winter Walk it gave me more determination to continue to build myself and to help and support others who are facing hardships, it became my occupation and a desire within myself.

I hope when others come to the yearly Winter Walk event that they are embraced and inspired to stand in their dreams to build their life in determination and also contribute in ending homelessness to helping someone else by supporting The Winter Walk.