My story

Graphic by Bruna Costa

Good morning.

My name is Shawn Fenwick. I like to draw, and I like to play chess. Sometimes I like to work out. I thank Jesus for waking me up to see another day.

When I was 8 years old, my real father tried to kill me. When I was 16 years old, my mom put me out of the house. She found $15,000 under my pillow. I am grateful for my time in prison. It taught me how to respect, and I learned to read in prison. I served 20 years at a U.S. supermax penitentiary in Texas.

I keep out of trouble in Washington, and I’m happy to be back home. The air smells good out here in the street. I like Street Sense because my drawings are published. I was stabbed in my arm, messing up my nerves, so now I draw with only two fingers.

Thank you, Street Sense.

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We believe ending homelessness begins with listening to the stories of those who have experienced it.

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