PATH - 10 STEPS ON THE PATH
OUT OF HOMELESSNESS

1. Know That You Are Special
   No matter what people have said to you in the past, and no matter how you feel about yourself right now, always know that you are a unique and special person. You are filled with the innate ability to do what is right and to be who you want to be. Don't ever think otherwise.
2. Overcome Your Barriers
   To overcome your personal barriers, you must first admit to the issues that have caused your homelessness. These could be substance abuse, personal hurt, unemployment, physical or mental health, relationship problems or other factors. First, identify your barrier(s) and then take steps toward dealing with these issues one by one.
3. Be Realistic
   Take small steps toward your goals instead of trying to take giant leaps forward. It's good to have exciting dreams for your future, but be realistic. Most people are not going to jump from being homeless to having a high-paying or high-powered job overnight. So, start with slow, realistic steps. Every step you take toward improving your life is valuable - even the small steps.
4. Take Personal Responsibility
   Even if other people have hurt you or you feel that they have partly caused your homelessness, it is your responsibility to choose whether you want to overcome your situation. Finger-pointing should only be directed toward your positive future. Don't have a victim mentality.
5. Pay Your Debts
   Just as you don't want injustice to harm you, don't harm others by not paying your debts. If you owe something to another, pay it back. Justice should be a two-way proposition.
6. Value Relationships
   People are the most valuable asset you have. It is unlikely that you will be able to reach your goals without help or advice from friends, and sometimes from strangers. Learn how to nurture your relationships, and how to reconcile when relationships go bad.
7. Don't Go It Alone
   You need continual support from people who value you. Develop relationships with people who will encourage you, tell you the truth about your mistakes, keep you on the right path, and empower you. This does not include people who will simply bail you out and not hold you accountable for your actions.
8. Always Have Hope
   Without hope, we become disillusioned at the first sign of disappointment. With hope, we can overcome anything, including homelessness. There is always light at the end of the tunnel.
9. Commit to Personal Renewal
   Personal growth is a never-ending process and a natural part of life. Commit yourself to bettering your relationships, education, skills, emotional and physical health, and spiritual life.
10. A Life-Long Journey
    Remember that the process out of homelessness is a hopeful, continuing journey. Commit yourself to the steps above and to maintaining your personal health, and you will be on your way to a personal journey out of homelessness.