Patricia (Patty) Smith, 55, grew up in Pittsburgh and the oldest of four siblings. She spent five years in the Army Reserve and the National Guard Reserve, and even won an award for her sharp shooting skills. Patty first came to Washington, D.C., when she was 25, and lived between Pittsburgh and D.C. for the next 21 years. She moved to D.C. permanently in 1996.

How did you become homeless?

I had trouble getting along at home with my brother in Pittsburgh and after we had an argument I went to the shelter. Then my life started to change and Miryam’s Women’s Center helped me get back on track. I moved into an apartment with a boyfriend. After a lot of visiting and talking, I became friends again with my brother. We are still friends to this day.

What are you up to now?

After being homeless on and off for several years, I now live in transitional housing at the YWCA, and have my own freelance typing service. In 2005, I participated in an entrepreneurship program in my neighborhood, Shaw. I also went to Strayer University for around 9 months. I also volunteer at the Street Sense office and just started going back to school to study business administration at Computer Tech Institute (CTI).

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I want to be working in a big corporation in an office environment.  Computers are such a big thing, and I see myself doing computer work for people.  I also hope to be writing more articles and getting more involved with Street Sense.

What are your favorite foods, music, and things to watch?

My favorite food used to be pirogues but now it’s probably shrimp with some type of pasta. My favorite music is James Cleveland’s. I also like Grey’s Anatomy on television.