12 Years Homeless: St. Louis' 'Old Timer' Story Will Break Your Heart

Meet Demetrius, affectionately known as 'Old Timer' on the streets of St. Louis. For 12 grueling years, Demetrius has faced the unforgiving reality of homelessness, navigating a world that seems to have forgotten him. Yet, despite the immense challenges, his spirit remains unbroken. In this deeply moving interview, Demetrius opens up about the tragic chain of events that led him to the streets, from the devastating loss of his mother and grandmother to the injury that left him unable to work and the systemic failures that have kept him trapped in this harsh cycle.*

"I got injured in 2012... I became homeless and going through a lot of turbulent extremes, with no help," Demetrius recalls, his voice filled with a quiet resignation. At 63 years old, he has spent over a decade trying to survive on the streets, learning to adapt to a life that no one should have to endure. "I learned how to stay homeless, where I stay on the streets, sleeping in the port, on white benches, at bus stops... But this is no way to live," he adds, capturing the stark reality of his situation.

As Demetrius speaks, it's clear that his experiences have deeply impacted him. He talks about the daily struggles of being homeless, from the mental toll to the physical dangers: "I've been robbed a few times... in your sleep, things happen to you. You had to learn how to really say like a man of your caliber. If you come into this vicious circle, it’d be very difficult for you to deal with the homeless street 24 hours."

Despite everything, Demetrius' character shines through, especially when he reads a heartfelt prayer during the interview. "This is very profound... not just for me, but for our society, the homeless people, our family, and friends," he says, offering a prayer not just for himself, but for all those struggling alongside him. He prays for strength, for the ability to stand up for what is right, and for the courage to resist the temptations that come with a life of constant hardship.

But Demetrius shouldn't have to fight this battle alone. He shouldn't have to endure another night on the streets. This video is not just his story; it's a call to action. It's time for us to come together as a community and advocate for real change. We need to contact our legislators, demand better support systems, and push for solutions that will help Demetrius and countless others find the stability and dignity they deserve.

"I used to be a professional... I was able to help people. But now, I need help," Demetrius admits with a humbling honesty. He doesn't ask for much—just the basics, a chance to get off the streets, to be clean, to have a place to call home. It's time we listened to his plea.

Please share this video and spread the word. But don't stop there—reach out to your legislators and demand action. Demetrius' story shouldn't end here; it should mark the beginning of real change. Together, we can push for the policies and support systems needed to prevent and solve homelessness. Let's ensure that Demetrius and others like him find a path to hope and transformation.

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From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Homeless    • From a Tent to a Home: No Longer Home...  

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About Invisible People

There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.

We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.