Behind the Signs

As a society, we've developed a number of stereotypes regarding people who are homeless. We often assume that petty crime, substance abuse, laziness, or lack of ambition brings people to homelessness, never stopping to consider what other causes may be involved. Too often the observer assumes a choice in the lives of the homeless, and too frequently the cause of an individual's poverty is overlooked.

"Behind the Signs" considers in great detail the reasons why each homeless person depicted in this true story miserably existed and was unable to pull away from that lifestyle. Author Kirk Toncray shares stories the lives of numerous individuals living homeless-most particularly himself. Sharing his own story of homelessness, he explores the treatment of the homeless by others, but also finds humor at times, recalling hilarious situations that he and others encountered.

In this memoir, Toncray invites us to look beyond the wall of stereotypes we've built to learn more about how people become homeless and develop a greater sense of compassion toward those in need.