In response to the article “Colfax Works to break cycle of unemployment,” I’d like to throw in a few thoughts.

I have been through homelessness, into shelters, and finally landed in the disability system. I am currently living in subsidized housing and have been rehabilitating from a traumatic brain injury. I am ready to get out of the system and lead a fulfilling life.

The jobs I have been offered are in no way life-sustaining. I know first-hand how many of us choose homelessness, myself included, for this very reason. Until I can find my way into feeling valued, I will continue to choose the system, as demeaning as it can be. I have made close connections with my doctors and community, which would be most beneficial to maintain. I still have my skillset of a quality engineer and have been taking classes to keep up to date with the most current demands.

Please consider this when evaluating how successful a program is, such as that presented in this article. Thank you.

Kelly Bowman