A Heartbreaking Situation

A word from Magali Curiel

Reading in this morning Post Gazette the sad news about the detainment of a 19 year African American homeless man in connection with the rape case, made me understand and realize the importance of My Place for Alleghany County. My heart goes out to the victim, and the Stanton Height/ Morningside communities.

However, I feel compassion and sad for this young man, who had a terrible upbringing resulting of him being homeless at a young age. While the community condemned him, I cannot stop and think about this young man’s life, and how different it could have been, if we only took time to help to coach and mentor him. I cannot justify the wrong he did, but made me realize that I failed him too by being selfish and self centric with my time and finances.

Born and raised in Curacao, at 19 years my world was about study hard to secure a future. Raised at home, by both parents, and provided with healthcare, education, and role models at home and in my community, I cannot imagine this young man’s life. At 19 he saw and experienced more than I will ever do.

I like to congratulate ACTION Housing for taking upon them this challenge. I am fortunate to be a member working with them in partnership with PSVP. I hope  Alleghany County can release the necessary funds to start My Place. Hope that the pilot project can be replicated in other communities, by not only providing adequate housing and job coaching to the under privilege and despair, but HOPE! Moving forward, I like to continue volunteering my time and resources to ACTION Housing and hope to continue working closely with them.

- Magali Curiel, PSVP Partner