Be honest. You don't see yourself as a judgmental person. But in my experience, many of us have deep-seated ideas of who the homeless are: alcoholics, addicts, people who are mentally ill or lazy, and criminals.

Although these things may be true in some instances, this understanding overlooks the deep and rich character of many people who live in the homeless community.

This book contains stories of some of my homeless friends, people who have meant a great deal to me and have profoundly changed my life for the better. Take time to hear their stories, discover something about their character-and maybe yours-and dispel your myths about the homeless.