The warmth of a home is something many of us take for granted. But for those of us who have faced the cold nights in a van, the reality is much harsher. Housing insecurity is not just about losing a roof over your head; it's about losing the stability, safety, and dignity that come with having a place to call home.

Living in a Van: A Cold Reality

There was a time in my life when my home was a van. I relied on my income from the Air Force Reserve, but it was barely enough to get by. Every night, I would park in different spots to avoid the police, constantly on edge, and trying to stay warm as the temperature dropped. It wasn’t just the cold that got to me; it was the feeling of being invisible, of living on the margins of society, with no safety net. The nights were long and often filled with anxiety, as I tried to find  ...