Many of you Norristown Hospitality Center newsletter followers may remember me as Majuel Armstead. I began writing about my of journey of homelessness in Norristown, PA last year. After a spending sometime away from the drawing board, I was trying to think of a topic for this story. It came to me, after five years of living in Norristown and going from being homeless for 13 months, to finding a place to live, I became a completely different person because of my experience. And rightly so, anyone would be after the journey I survived. But not just the environmental experience of being homeless, but being exposed to the people who shared the same fate as myself. And most importantly, experiencing the continuous generosity and kindness of the souls who reached out to help me with personal resources, social services and spiritual enrichment voluntarily.
Before this event, I was living my life just like normal folk, living at home with family, working, catching the bus, going to church, socializing with friends, just living life. Never thinking about others who didn’t have a place to live or anyone to care about them. My tunnel vision told me everyone around me possessed all the comforts of home, until the unfortunate event of homelessness befell me. When I arrived at the women’s shelter in Norristown, I saw other women who shared the same fate as I. Each of us were from different cultures and backgrounds but shared the same story of homelessness. Yet there was a strength and drive within us that surged us forward in spite of our dilemmas. I was determined to look past my present state because I was taught to make the best every situation, knowing this was not going to be my future. I was going to do everything humanly possible to change this predicament. I thought this moment was just a stepping stone in time for me!
Each day my mind was constantly racing to find the answers to improve my situation. As soon as the library opened, I was there researching on the computer to find another housing option. I was also aware how patient and kind the social worker and Norristown Hospitality Center associates were with each passing day. No matter how extreme the clients conditions were, the associates remained calm to listen to their issues. I was taking that in and learning everyday from that. Their patience and kindness had a lasting effect on me…except I didn’t realize it then.
I continued to focus on myself and going to treatment to heal and purge the anxiety and stress I was struggling with. Going to the NHC helped but I knew the true answers to my healing and wellness lied within myself. So I began a regimen of weekly walking 9 miles per week. I walked from my home to Tae Kwon Do practice three days per week. It was so freeing. I lost 50 pounds. I felt so empowered knowing I decreased 4 dress sizes and the movement changed my attitude. I no longer thought about the past or being angry about
those who caused the event of homelessness in my life. So everyday I turned my attention on keeping busy. I realized that through helping other people I was helping myself. Helping to better my life. I enjoyed giving others information about programs that would improve their quality of life. It felt rewarding to me when they’d return to me and say, Miss Juel thank you so much for telling me to sign up for that program! It really helped me! And the joy I felt when I heard those words were really heartfelt.
I am going to continue to contribute to my community helping all those in need me because people need people! Now I understand why the leaders at The Norristown Hospitality Center work daily and tirelessly to help us and make us smile!
