Xena Latrace Gibbons is my name.  I am 15 years old.

I am like most teens: I like to draw, read, write, hang out with my friends, and laugh. 

Yet something clearly sets me apart.  I am homeless.

I live in a shelter with approximately 40 to 50 other people: me, my Moms, and my three little brothers.  We becams homeless 'cause Pops, he spent all his money on booze and shit and we ended up getting evicted from our apartment.

That was over 1 year ago.  We been trying to find a place for our family, but so far, nothing.  Everything's either full up or y'all have to get on a waiting list that can take up to two years, and my Moms, she said no way is she waiting that long, so we are on the street.

It's not a life I would have but right now, we don't have any other choice.

Most people, they tend to ignore us as if we didn't even exist.  Well, the feeling's mutual.  I don't want to have anything to do with most people, 'cause they treat us like trash or act like we ain't even there.

I go to school, but I hate it 'cause the other kids, they treat me bad.  They say I smell and they tease me about my ill-fitting clothes and my funky hair.  I'm sorry.  If I had the money, I'd beautify myself up, make myself look presentable, but when you got other kids clamoring for the same thing, I often end up with the leftovers.  It's a pain.

I try to trust in God, but I think God gave up on us when we ended up on the streets.  He ain't helping us any; why even bother to pray?  And the stupid government people sure as hell don't care unless the money going to them or endin' up in they pockets.  So fuck 'em, is all I gotta say.

Fuck.  Them.  ALL!  (NOT God, but the main majority of people or the government.)

Well, I gonna go and see if I can help my brother Trey; he's scraemin' his fool head off again.  Stupid little brat!  UGH!  I will write in here again another time; take care!

~Xena.