This is Brian Amienta, and I work as a security guard at the Shasta Co. Library in Redding. I grew up in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles until I was a teen. At 13 years old, I had to start working to earn my keep until my aunt kicked me out of her house when I was 18. I graduated to living in my car until a couple of friends let me move in with them for a bit. Then I moved to an L.A. sober living facility until I moved up north to Redding in 2020. I didn’t start working in security until 2023, and now they say I’ve been at that location longer than most security guards. While working at the library, I’ve gotten to know many patrons who rely on the resources of the library to get their resumes and lives together, often collecting cans and plastic just to get by. I was lucky that I had friends who could help me when I was down, but many of the people I see have no one to help them. I understand the issues that the homeless face on a daily basis—both from the police and within their own community, where theft and mistrust are common. What so many homeless people need is simply someone to talk to about the issues they face—someone who listens and wants to help them achieve the life they want and deserve. I believe what Jaclyn is trying to achieve is to give them a safe home with a solid foundation and structure they need to change their way of life. I want to be a part of helping the homeless find a better life with security, safety, and value.