In 2010, I was awarded a fellowship from Seattle University’s Project on Family Homelessness*.
I wanted to chronicle the story of one family. Then, through what felt like blind luck, or maybe fate, I stopped by a motel. That led me to Brandy Sweeney, a young mother with an infant. She’d been unhoused—and in an abusive relationship. She opened up her life to me.
From there, a story of homelessness, meth addiction, violence, white supremacy and, ultimately, survival unfolded.
This four-part series appeared in Real Change in May 2012.
Chapter 1: Honeymoon Phase
Brandy Sweeney dreams of a better life.
Then she meets Richard Duncan. Together, they plan for a future, one with a family. But no matter where they travel — from Boise, Idaho, to south Seattle, from a one-person tent to a two-bedroom apartment — substance abuse, poverty and domestic violence press down on their lives.
If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship and feel safe enough to seek help, you have options:
call: 1.800.799.SAFE or visit: thehotline.org
Chapter 2: Neighborhood Watch
Richard Duncan wants to see the birth of his son.
Will jail prevent it?
If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship and feel safe enough to seek help, you have options:
call: 1.800.799.SAFE or visit: thehotline.org
Chapter 3: No Contact
As Richard serves time for domestic assault,
Brandy moves into a safe house with their newborn son. But when Richard moves in, Brandy’s calm world disintegrates.
If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship and feel safe enough to seek help, you have options:
call: 1.800.799.SAFE or visit: thehotline.org
Chapter 4: Three Strikes
Violence, substance abuse and homelessness all lay in Brandy’s past.
But with Richard on trial for felony assault, she faces one more ordeal: testifying on the witness stand.
If you feel you may be in an abusive relationship and feel safe enough to seek help, you have options:
call: 1.800.799.SAFE or visit: thehotline.org