With the recession on the rise, homelessness is not a distant thought but a reality that surrounds us all. Many in or around the situation may feel hopeless, desperate, and as if no silver lining is on the rise. What you may not know is the number of people who have successfully overcome this problem, and with great achievement might I add. Singers, songwriters, actors, producers, journalists,celebrities, and role models often had the rocky start of living out of their car, on the streets, or dwelling in shelters. 

Hillary Swank, one of my favorite actresses, and winner of 2 Oscars, 38 awards, and an additional 18 nominations lived in a car with her mother for a lengthy time while beginning her acting career.

Another Oscar winner with an extensive list of awards and nominations, Halle Berry, has been quoted saying that she has lived in a shelter in the past.

American Idol winner and successful singer, Kelly Clarkson, has stated that she lived out of her car as well as a few shelters. These times have contributed to her success with her albums such as Thankful and Breakaway.

Not only women celebrities have dealt with this problem, although that is what I began my list with. One of my favorite actors and comedians, Jim Carrey, faced homelessness for a long time while in Canada by living out of a van and tent with his family.

Another famous, and might I add classic, comedian Charlie Chaplin faced homelessness for years and years as a child and young adult. It is shocking to know that behind all of the smiles and laughs lies a truly widespread problem, one that does not discriminate between race, sex, or creed-rather it is one that any person can face.

A rock and roll trend setting icon, Kurt Cobain’s story adds the backbone to much of his music. Cobain lived beneath a bridge in a cardboard box and squatted for quite a comprehensive time before becoming famous.

Another rock and roll icon, THE icon to some, the infamous Lizard King, Jim Morrison,himself squatted and couch surfed well throughout his life. Living with friends, in cars, on the beach, and even on roof tops was the way of life Morrison was most accostomed to.

Dr. Phil, the talk show guru himself faced a period of his life when he was homeless. Perhaps this ability to empathize with difficult situations because of his own experience has made him as successful as he is.

If you are a Charmed fan, you know the beautiful and talented actress Rose McGowen. Rose lived directly on the streets for years as a teenager. In an interview she stated that she was accompanied by another girl. The two of them roamed throughout the western hemisphere for a relatively long time.

Singer and songwriter Jewel lived from her van, David Letterman, from his car, Shaniah Twain from a shelter, and critically acclaimed Tyler Perry from a car, have all lived the tale to tell about their trials and tribulation from homelessness. Although some faced the direct trial of living on the streets, do not rule out the fact that living from a vehicle, tent, or shelter is considered homeless. These celebrities only represent a handful of those who remain unseen, unheard of, and still homeless. As you can see, there is hope. These people all faced similar and difficult struggles, and not only overcame them but went beyond in offering a platform that there is hope no matter how bleak a situation may seem.