Charles Lester Myers, who goes by Lester, is from Baltimore, Md., which he describes as a good place to grow up. At 22 he moved to D.C. and at 61, has lived here ever since. He is a recovering alcoholic but has been sober now for six months.
How did you become homeless? I made some bad investments and bad choices. I was drinking a lot and that caused me to be in a position that could be taken advantage of financially.
How is it being sober? Being sober I think is where it’s at. I can think clearly, I can get things taken care of that need to be taken care of. My life is a lot better. I can concentrate more on the things I need to do.
How do you like working for Street Sense? I love working for Street Sense. It’s given me a chance to meet people, advance myself, at the same time make some money and write! The writer’s group is terrific!
What is the writer’s group? What we do is sit down and discuss different ideas and strategies with each other, snack, think, and write!
What are your plans for the future? I plan to go to school to become an EKG technician, and my long-term goal is to become a naturopath.
What is a naturopath? A naturopath is a natural doctor; he or she uses natural methods for treating and curing diseases.
What is your favorite song? “That’s What Girls are Made For” by the Spinners
What words do you have for your readers? Stay positive, and do what you can to make it from point A to point B. The rest will take care of itself.
