Homeless mom and president of the Santa Cruz Homeless Union, homeless rights activist Alicia Kuhl recently ran for City Council in Santa Cruz, CA, as reported in the August 2020 People’s Tribune. Here from Facebook posts she meditates on her journey, and shares advice on positive action. — The Editors
“I just want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign for City Council. I am so proud of all of the work and effort that my team does on a daily basis. We didn’t win but we will definitely try again next time. Part of the reason why I ran for city council was to change the narrative surrounding people experiencing homelessness. The fact that a mom living in an RV in Santa Cruz ran for City Council to promote positive solutions to key issues in our community will always be something. Thank you for your support. I am forever grateful.
“One thing a lot of people don’t understand about children in foster care and group homes is that they grow up — that I grew up — feeling that I was not wanted. I had no community, no family support, and I didn’t feel valued by the people in my life. In that type of situation it’s hard to value yourself, and it’s hard just to move forward — it’s a struggle to choose to make the best of your own life. And so many foster kids don’t make that choice — they sink into depression, they have substance abuse disorders, they take their own life. By the Grace of God, I didn’t make that choice — I chose to move forward, to make the best out of my life, and now I fight, I advocate, and I organize for all the people that aren’t valued by our society, that are told they don’t matter.
“A person asks, how can I help? Spread the message, organize, get involved, volunteer your time, social media exposure, writing letters. There are always ways to contribute. Thank you so much for asking.”
