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It’s hard to stay in touch, but I recently reconnected with my son and daughter, and that’s been a blessing.

I’ve been homeless for over 12 years, sleeping in parks, and I was accused of stealing a pair of shoes. As a homeless person, I fought my best, but I’m vulnerable and weak. We are human, but sometimes we are treated like animals, subject to cruel and unusual punishment.

While incarcerated, I’ve been a victim of COVID-19, Hepatitis A, C, and STDs.  I suffer from schizophrenia, anxiety, and depression. I was placed in a general population yard that I don’t belong in—I don’t like it!

I’m Christian, though, and I keep asking God why. I write letters to God, hoping for blessings. I need advice and direction. Sometimes, I feel depressed and even suicidal. I don’t want to be here anymore—I want to go home. It’s been three years since I’ve been incarcerated in LA County Jail. I fought my case and was found mentally incompetent to stand trial, yet I was still sentenced. This violates my due process rights. I’m hoping to win my appeal. 

I am trying to be a Christian, and everyone calls me blessed. I’m from LA and trying to get into a program in San Gabriel Valley to be closer to my family—especially my son and daughter, Thomas and Kailynn. I also have two other children, but with different mothers. It’s hard to stay in touch, but I recently reconnected with my son and daughter, and that’s been a blessing. I don’t want to be a victim anymore. But the system sets you up for failure. Sometimes you have to work towards something and earn it—whether as an ADA worker, a kitchen worker, a spiritual leader, or a celebrity.

📬

These stories arrive by mail.

Every month, a physical envelope arrives at your door, postmarked from San Quentin Village, California. Inside, you will find original artwork, writing, and recipes from real contributors, along with a personal letter from me, Diane Kahn, founder of Humans of San Quentin, about the people who made them. You read it. You keep it.

Every piece comes from someone serving a sentence. Every piece reminds you they are so much more than that.

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