Charlotte is 49 years old and is originally from Bibb County, Alabama. She worked in insurance for 22 years and her last position was as a supervisor in the State Farm office in Tuscaloosa on 15th St. Breaking her neck in a serious car accident set off a chain of events that lead Charlotte to the world of addiction and homelessness. In an effort to deal with the physical pain of the accident, she became addicted to prescription pain medication. The addiction took over her life and eventually brought her to the streets of downtown Birmingham. As a homeless addict with no income Charlotte became involved in prostitution in order to survive. In that circumstance she has seen and experienced horrific abuse perpetrated by men from all walks of life against women trapped in homelessness on the street. Charlotte has lived in many places during her years of homelessness including the old railroad tunnels off 25th St. North, the Salvation Army, and in homeless camps near the railroad tracks.
In January of 2007 Charlotte experienced another devastating accident when she was hit by a car on 23rd St. North in downtown Birmingham, that left her physically handicapped. She spent 75 days in intensive care and has permanently lost the use of her left arm and had part of the bone removed from her shoulder. She also contracted staff infection in the bone of her left leg while under treatment. Doctors continually advise her to have her leg amputated, but as a homeless woman she feels that would leave her too vulnerable. Today Charlotte has overcome her addiction and has been drug free for many months. She works to help others struggling with addiction “see the sober world.” Charlotte finds her hope in the fact that, “God has brought me this far and I know He has a mission for me — that’s why I don’t quit.” Charlotte asks that you pray for her health and her continued success in overcoming addiction. She also asks that you pray for the men who oppress women in the homeless community, and is looking forward to receiving cards and letters from people who are praying for her.
Update: After many years of waiting and working her way through the system, Charlotte has been approved for Social Security Disability status in early April. She should begin receiving a small monthly check within the next 6 weeks. She thanks everyone who has been praying for her
Update: After many years of waiting and working her way through the system, Charlotte has been approved for Social Security Disability status in early April. She should begin receiving a small monthly check within the next 6 weeks. She thanks everyone who has been praying for her
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