Charisse Fontes’ journey of being unhoused began 10 years ago in California, which has a disproportionate Black homeless population.
After attempting to pursue a relationship that didn’t work out, the pregnant, Black mother of two children had nowhere to stay. Fontes went to the county for help and her “home” became motels and shelters.
Fontes vividly remembers the vouchers she received for motels in seedy areas. The shelter bathroom she was required to clean and share with a family of five. The mother with a teenage boy who was indifferent to cycling in and out of the shelter.
