In a world where the harsh realities of homelessness often go unnoticed, Dez Martinez’s story shines as a beacon of hope and resilience. Through the depths of despair and adversity, Martinez has emerged as a powerful advocate for the unhoused due to domestic violence, shedding light on the challenges faced by those struggling to find a place to call home.

In a media briefing on February 16th, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, Martinez shares her transfixing story about her own experience with domestic violence and homelessness. She was joined by two other experts to shed light on what is being done. 

Speakers

  • Dr. Anita Hargrave, Assistant Professor, UCSF and lead BHHI researcher of the report “Toward Safety: Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and Homelessness”.
  • Jennifer White-Reid, Chief of Staff & Senior Advisor to the CEO at Urban Resource Institute. URINYC provides services to victims of domestic violence and unhoused people. 
  • Desiree (Dez) Martinez, Executive Director of We Are NOT Invisible. Ms. Martinez experienced homelessness due to IPV. 

As a victim of domestic violence, Dez Martinez fled her home with nothing but her car. She peregrinated from garages to rooms for rent to DV shelters. Martinez’s journey began with a stark realization – feeling like just a number in the impersonal system of shelters. 

The struggles of being unhoused exposed Martinez to the dangers of the streets, from the constant fear of violence to the harsh realities of survival. Despite facing mental health issues, addiction, and the threat of sex trafficking, Martinez found the strength to speak out and fight for change.

The lack of support and resources in Martinez’s county left them pleading for help, navigating a system that often fell short of providing the necessary assistance. Despite not meeting the criteria for a homeless bed at a domestic violence shelter, Martinez found themselves at a local homeless shelter, sleeping on the floor among strangers. The gender restrictions and financial constraints further compounded their challenges, pushing Martinez to choose homelessness over returning to abuse.

However, Martinez’s resilience and determination led them to use their photography skills to document the realities of homelessness, advocating for change and engaging in local government meetings to raise awareness. Through organizations like UCSF, Martinez found a platform to share their experiences and amplify the voices of those in similar situations. Today, doors of opportunity have opened for Martinez, allowing them to speak out, empower others, and advocate for universal housing and civil rights for the homeless.

Despite the temporary relief of being housed through a voucher program, Martinez faces the ongoing struggle of rising rent prices and the looming uncertainty of losing their housing. Yet, amidst these challenges, Martinez remains hopeful for change, emphasizing the importance of solidarity among the unhoused community and the need for media to raise awareness and incorporate their perspectives in homeless-related narratives.

Martinez’s journey from homelessness to advocacy serves as a testament to the power of resilience, compassion, and the unwavering determination to make a difference. Through their experiences, Martinez has learned the value of speaking out, standing up, and fighting for a more just and inclusive society. Their story reminds us that behind every statistic and stereotype of homelessness lies a human being with a voice that deserves to be heard and a story that deserves to be shared.

Drawing from a recent study by UCSF, Dr. AnitaHargrave highlights the systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals experiencing intimate partner violence, leading many survivors to face the stark choice between enduring abuse at home or risking homelessness due to the lack of affordable housing options. She underscores the urgent need for a national strategy that addresses this connection and advocates for permanent affordable housing as a fundamental solution to breaking the cycle of violence and homelessness.

Jennifer White-Reid emphasizing the importance of listening to the voices of survivors. Through her years of experience, White-Reid has witnessed the transformative power of amplifying survivor narratives and involving them in decision-making processes. She stresses the need for government and non-profit providers to prioritize community engagement and equity, recognizing that true progress in addressing domestic violence and homelessness can only be achieved by centering the experiences and needs of those directly impacted.

As Martinez continues to champion the cause of universal housing and civil rights for the homeless, their journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of turning adversity into advocacy. In a world where the marginalized often remain invisible, Martinez’s story serves as a powerful reminder that every voice has the potential to spark change and every experience has the power to inspire others to stand up and speak out.