Homelessness In America

Three Years Later... 2005

2005-08-20T01:07:00.000-05:00

It is almost three years to the day I became homeless. August 23, 2002 will be forever etched in my mind. I have gone through tremendous changes since then. The one thing I am very grateful for - is that I am no longer wondering the streets, and I have a wonderful woman by my side and a roof over my head. It is almost impossible to describe the emotional turmoil I go through, every year when the anniversary of when I first took my first step into homelessness - rolls around.

For some odd reason, I was looking through the documents accumulated during my trek through the NYC homeless shelter system. As I viewed the documents and pictures, a cold sweat dripped down my forehead. The memories are still crystal clear, and I can still see the faces of the homeless individuals who shared my experience. Although they are ghosts in my mind - the sites, sounds, and smells are still present in my consciousness.

I still fear becoming homeless, again. It will be a fear that I hope to conquer. Yet, the thought of toting my black duffel back behind me, dealing with the mean streets, the system, bumming cigarettes & food, and wondering where I will be sleeping or loosing an assigned bed... If you were ever homeless or currently homeless - you know damn well what I mean!

It is becoming very difficult to write anything else....

Argile Stox

PTSD - Homelessness

2004-12-17T11:04:00.000-06:00

Please read my article concerning PTSD and Homelessness by clicking on the Link Below:

http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/dec/article228.html

Thank You,

Argile Stox

New Article Posted On The Internet By: Argile Stox

2004-11-09T14:44:00.000-06:00

Please please visit the Link below. It is an interesting read.

http://www.useless-knowledge.com/1234/new/article025.html

Thanks,

Argile Stox

Note From The Author

2004-09-19T14:19:00.000-05:00

After I had finished the final draft of "Computer-End Program" By: Argile Stox, a memoir of my homeless experience - I "shopped it around" to various friends and family, before it was sent for consideration to Publish America, and other publishing houses. As expected, the reviews were mixed. I was told that my writing style was powerful and that the memoir had merits. One relative stated "It would make a good read on a Wintry Sunday, when there was nothing else to do." He went on to say "Your writing style is sophomoric." Also, it was continuously conveyed to me, that it would be an uphill battle to find a publisher who would consider placing this work in its inventory.

After he memoir was published, the same relative stated "Glad you didn’t listen to me!"Others, were of the opinion, if the memoir was eventually published - the general literate masses, would "pass" on the subject matter, due to the "collective mentally" concerning the ever present homeless situation, which currently plagues America's towns, and cities. The memoir is now available for purchase nationwide, and overseas.

Most individuals who escape the shame and horror of homelessness, tend to put the experience "behind them," and not speak of it. I was indeed grateful for the City Of New York, and the Veterans Administration for temporary lodging, and shelter. However, I could not wrap my mind around the lack of services for the average "Recession Joe," who lost his job, depleted his monetary reserves, and did not suffer from the debilitating effects of alcohol, drug abuse or mental illness.

After reviewing the memoir, the angst of the label "Whistleblower" consumed my mind. After all, I am a nobody, a mere droplet in the sea of humanity. Who was I "to bite that hand that fed me?" I am not an activist, not a "poster child" for what is wrong with the homeless services that are offered, nor am I on a mission.

Then, the anger of my nervous breakdown, subsequent hospitalization, being placed in a drug and alcohol rehab (not suffering from those maladies), and reverting back to homelessness - took hold. Finally, after having numerous arguments with my soul, I came to this conclusion - If my memoir was accepted for publication, and if it was read by "One" person who gains insight into the plight of the homeless, and has the influence to rally our elected officials to "Do Something. Anything"(FDR) - I will fall on my sword, and face the consequences of "Blowing The Whistle."

There is this expression: "If you save one person, you save the world."I am sincerely grateful to Publish America, for taking the risk of publishing this socially sensitive issue. I am sincerely grateful to the readers who have purchased and reviewed my book. It is my hope the memoir will induce future legislation, to save at least one person, from walking in my homeless shoes.

Argile Stox
"Computer-End Program"
ISBN# 1-4137-2496-5

Homelessness In America

2004-09-19T13:17:00.000-05:00

Please Read My Book:

Computer-End Program (Homeless Memoir)
By: Argile Stox
ISBN 1-4137-2496-5

Available At Your Local Bookseller or OnLine:

Barnes & Noble:

http://search.barnesandnoble.com/booksearch/isbnInquiry.asp?userid=ygx1UsRP9M&isbn=1413724965&itm=1

Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/stores/detail/-/books/1413724965/glance/104-1377166-6732701