Ashlyn, 39, originally from Kingsport, Tennessee, says she chooses to live on the streets of Reno. To her, the concept of homelessness does not exist because the city itself is a big mansion of God, she says, where there is a room for every night.
She admits living on the streets is a struggle though. Some days the struggle includes jumping into the cold Truckee river to wash and bathe. Other days the struggle can get to the point where sleeping inside a trash bag can save her from freezing to death.
Her strength comes from within, she says.
She delights in being honest with herself and others. She finds purpose in helping those around her; and finally, she’s proud to be free from drugs and alcohol for over twenty years.
Ashlyn believes most parents do not take advantage of the time they have with their children. Family, she emphasizes, is the most important part about life that no one should take for granted. With that, her heart wishes nothing but happiness to her children–wherever they may be.
“As long as you give it your all–no matter what throughout your life–at least in the end you know that there wasn’t anything else that you should’ve done different or that would’ve made it better or any less worse,” she says.
“Home is where you lay your head at night and home is wherever your heart’s at. So, wherever your heart is, that's where your home is.”