Don Blakeley, Lexington, KY - Homelessness and Voting

Recognizing that homelessness is becoming more and more of a problem in the US and that voting rights for people without homes have been challenged by some politicians in Kentucky, we’re presenting a series of short interviews on our blog, interviewing people who are or have been homeless. 

"To be honest, I was born in Ohio, but I moved to Kentucky when I was 11.  I'm 59 now, so you do the math.  I've been a Kentuckian almost since I can remember and I'm proud to be one."

"I never in this world imagined that I would end up homeless. "

"I've had a long life and I've done a lot of different things - over a decade of service in a military career as an Army Platoon Sgt, I owned a 25-acre farm and made a living as a farmer, was in the construction business for a while, and even owned a computer business." 

"I've been a respected leader with technical skills and a lot of experience, so like I said, I didn't think I'd end up homeless, but I ended up on the street just the same."

"Lots of people might be closer to that than they think.  Just losing your job might make you homeless.  I'm not trying to scare anyone, but we're a lot closer to being in the same boat than some of us think." 

"Life is looking up for me, though.  I've been able to get off the street and into the St. Michael Veterans' House - a community that serves some of the thousands of homeless vets in this state."

"Lately, I've heard that some politicians are pushing to make it harder for homeless folks to vote.  To be blunt, I think that's pretty asinine."   

"I can't imagine that taking my right to vote away benefits anyone and I just can't relate to anyone who thinks otherwise."

"I was a Army Platoon Sgt, serving from 1972 to 1983, and I've done my time to protect this Democracy.  Questioning my right to participate in it just doesn't seem right."

"I think it's extremely important for people to vote - especially in local elections.  It's your duty.  If you don't vote, you lose your voice.  Now I've generally got a pretty loud voice, but I don't like the idea of losing any part of it."