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ORLANDO, Fla. Homeless: it’s a simple word, but what does it really mean? For 27-year-old Derek Shaye, who spent several months homeless in Orlando before finding his way into the local shelter system, that’s not an easy question to answer.
What You Need To Know
Research looking at addressing homelessness in Central Florida
Stigma is just one aspect of Dr. Rajni Shankar-Brown’s research
Derek Shaye lived on the streets for several months before entering shelter system
Shaye says the experience taught him many stereotypes about homeless people are untrue
“It’s hard. It tests you. And it makes you really examine for yourself: Who are you without other people?” Shaye said. “Who are you when you stand on your own?”