This was very nice to watch and read and yes it takes courage to open a heart and share the painful experiences. I call them, as you did too, character building experiences. Being homeless is tough if you remain in a victim mindset mode. I was also in this situation for 3 years, living clandestinely in the back room of my rented beauty salon. It was a grueling experience mentally and I now thank God for it because it made me who I am today. At that time I thought it was the worst thing happening to me, now when I ponder I realize that it was exactly what I needed: to discover who I am between four walls.
Only a strong person will come out of a situation like this with their head held up high. You gain an inner power that no one could take it away and I also rediscovered a strong connection with God and I realize I was never truly alone