We are The Champions
When I began talking about a Door of Hope writing group book, people told me the book had to include my voice. Feature my voice, even. This was not what I wanted. Specifically, I didn’t want to be the well-off white woman who began working with those who had no shelter and immediately had the bright idea to write a book about her experience. What I wanted was for people to read the book, get to know the writers, and shift their view of “the homeless.” Specifically, I wanted readers to eagerly approach the authors at book signings and start talking to them as if they knew them. I wanted the book’s readers to love and appreciate the authors as much as I did.
But how to structure the book? I went around the block several times over this but eventually landed on a group memoir: WRITING OUR WAY HOME: A GROUP JOURNEY OUT OF HOMELESSNESS. Chronological chapters tell the authors’ stories: When We Were Young, As We Grew Up, What Sent Us into Homelessness. The wonderful review done by Chapter 16.org noted that this structure gives the full picture of the authors’ lives, not just the “dramatic second act” when they experienced living on the streets. How grateful I am for this insight. Because homelessness is only one part of the authors’ fluid lives, an overwhelming, proud-to-have-survived part, but nonetheless only a part.
And now the Community Alliance for the Homeless has given me an award for my work on the book. Yesterday, I received the Memphis/Shelby County Homeless Consortium Champion of the Year award.
As I am in New Orleans recovering from hip surgery, I couldn’t be there in person to accept the award. My good friend and proud homeless champion Marisa Baker accepted for me. And here’s the group photo of all the winners:
I love it that the book is literally standing in for me, accepting the honor. So very fitting. For the award means my decision long ago to focus on the writers’ voices was the correct choice. The Champion choice. The one most supportive of those who have experienced homelessness in their lives. For they, the authors, are the true Champions.
To honor this award, please go to Amazon and buy a copy of the book. Read it, then pass it along to whoever you feel led to share it with. Thank you!
"Writing Our Way Home: A Group Journey Out of Homelessness", book by homeless authors, Chapter16.org, Community Alliance for the Homeless, homelesness, homeless, homeless art, homeless writers, homeless writing, homeless writing group, homelessness and the arts, Memphis, Memphis/Shelby County Homeless Consortium, the homeless, writing group
Marisa
I’m so thrilled you won, and it was my honor to present and accept the award for you. For what it’s worth, the copy of the book in the photo is my own, signed by every single author, with rememberances for one special author who has left us. They’re standing in with you too.
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Again, you bring tears to my eyes. “It’s gonna blow up,” Leroy used to say. “You watch, it’s gonna blow up.”
Marisa
When, I ask you, was Leroy ever wrong? 🙂
Ellen Morris Prewitt
🙂
Luanne
Congratulations!!! And I hope you are recovering well?!!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
Thank you! And I am recovering well. Inexplicably easier this time, though the surgery itself was longer and more complicated. I don’t know the reason, but I’m grateful–I actually went out to dinner with the kids for Father’s Day tonight, only 11 days post-surgery!
Luanne
I’m so glad to hear that! You are now a seasoned and accomplished patient ;)!
Ellen Morris Prewitt
🙂