The perspectives of the homeless community is something that I have worked on to understand this semester.  In a recent article published in the New York Times, Benjamin Weiser provides a perspective of a homeless women Nakesha Williams.  Nakesha would reject when people would offer help like entering a shelter.  Nakesha would accept any food, clothes, or toiletries that was offered.  No one who knew Nakesha would have anticipated that she would become a member of the homeless community.  She was Class President, Choir singer, member of the school newspaper and National Honor Society.   She even was third in her class and received her college tuition covered by a scholarship.  Nakesha faced challenges in her life that led her to wind up where she did.  Her mother became ill with cancer.  This led her to a number of odd jobs that left her moving a lot.  Through this, she developed a sense of anxiety.  Well in Los Angeles she would find places that offered free samples to eat and go to Churches that offered services.  Throughout her life, she never once referred to herself as homeless.  In New York, she was a regular member of the homeless community that resided on the streets.  She developed a relationship with members of the community that would stop and ask if she needed any help.  Weiser comments on the fact that are 3,900 unsheltered homeless people in New York City. They reside in sleeping bags near building/construction sites, bury themselves in blankets, ponchos and cardboard boxes. You never know anyone’s story until you take the time to talk to someone.  It is important to remember to never make assumptions about a member of the homeless community.