NO VACANCY, HOMELESS WOMEN IN PARADISE describes an incredible journey of Michael E. Reid’s discovery of 500 women living without shelter in one of the most affluent sea-side communities in California, to uncovering the complicated reasons for its existence — even in the place so many call “paradise.” One by one, bodies were being found dead in plain sight, high above the glittering cities of Monterey, Pebble Beach and Carmel. When Reid, an Episcopalian priest, found out he took action and co-founded the Fund for Homeless Women, which he now manages full time. NO VACANCY captures Reid’s journey into this landscape with a personal story that delves into the complex realities of homelessness, and how existing well-intentioned policies and programs often widen the gap between the indigent and mainstream societies. By sharing these women’s stories, Reid has provided an unvarnished look at the culture of long-term homelessness with a fresh approach. He also explores issues related to marginalization, belonging, and the effects of long-term gender-based bias in sociocultural practices as it particularly relates to women and people of color. Th is is especially relevant today when communities face weakened political and financial support from the government and their communities. In the United States, we all live with the growing reality of homelessness, even in the places where one least expects it. NO VACANCY will inspire and encourage readers to take the next step to help make a difference for the greater good, and onto the circuitous road of grassroots social change. Cover design: Donna Murphy.
Contributors
Introduction by Dan Baldwin
DAN BALDWIN is the President/CEO of the Community Foundation for Monterey County (CFMC). Before that, he was the President/CEO of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in Iowa and served as the 2015 President of the League of California Community Foundations. Before beginning his career in community foundations, he was a museum professional for fifteen years, having worked at the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library in Cedar Rapids, Old City Park Museum in Dallas, and the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis. Baldwin, an Iowa native, holds a BA in English and MA in Nonfiction Writing from the University of Iowa.
Here's What People Are Saying
“As the Supervisor representing one of the most beautiful areas in California, I know when people think of Monterey County, they see lush fields, crashing waves over a dramatic coastline and gracious homes throughout. People do not see the faces of the many homeless people—especially women—who struggle daily to survive. Living in their cars, camping in unsafe circumstances or couch-surfing, these women have lived here most of their lives. Illness, divorce, job loss, no safety net and few services have driven them underground. In NO VACANCY, Michael E. Reid’s unique lens shows us situations most of us could not endure. And each of us can identify “there but for the grace of God . . . ” ~Mary L. Adams, Monterey County Supervisor, District 5
“How could one of America’s most affluent communities look the other way as hundreds of women were living—and dozens dying—in the streets? That question drove former pastor Michael E. Reid and his fellow volunteers to create the Fund for Homeless Women, supporting what had been a largely invisible population on California’s Monterey Peninsula. NO VACANCY tells the story of that quest – and the women it uplifted – with compassion and candor. Reid’s book is both a call to action and a heartening reminder that, even in times of widespread inequality and polarized politics, grassroots change remains within reach.” ~Jessica Bruder, author of Nomadland: Surviving America in the Twenty-First Century (2017)
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