Homelessness is not a choice, nor is it a crime, yet society often treats it as one. Policies that criminalize sleeping on the streets or promote “law-and-order” solutions, like those advocated by some leaders, target symptoms rather than addressing root causes such as housing insecurity, systemic inequities, and the barriers faced by individuals with criminal records. Dr. Perrie Daniell Gibson knows these challenges firsthand. His story is one of resilience, transformation, and a fight against systemic injustices.
At just 14 years old, Dr. Gibson was wrongfully convicted of a crime he didn’t commit. That label followed him for years, limiting his opportunities and shaping his life in ways he could never have imagined. Despite the odds, he found employment with St. Louis City, a job that finally gave him the stability and benefits he needed to support his family. But that stability was short-lived. Job discrimination tied to his past led to his wrongful termination, pushing him and his family into homelessness.
“Homelessness isn’t a result of personal failure; it’s the consequence of systemic failures,” Dr. Gibson explains. The experience was devastating, yet it also became a turning point in his life. With nowhere to go but forward, he used the time to complete his book, *Live or Die Tryin’*. Writing became a way to reclaim his voice, his dignity, and his dreams.
Dr. Gibson’s journey from homelessness to higher education required unwavering faith, determination, and resilience. Today, he uses his platform to advocate for systemic change, highlighting the root causes of homelessness and the urgent need for solutions that uplift rather than punish. “We don’t need to arrest the homeless. We need to fight for housing, opportunity, and dignity for all,” he says.
Through his advocacy, Dr. Gibson challenges misconceptions about homelessness. He stresses that homelessness is not a personal failing but a symptom of broader societal issues. Criminalizing those who have no place to sleep only perpetuates the cycle of poverty. Instead, he calls for policies that provide affordable housing, address systemic inequities, and support individuals in breaking free from the chains of poverty.
“From the harsh streets to the halls of higher education, my journey was forged through relentless adversity and unshakable faith,” Dr. Gibson shares. “Even in the darkest times, hope and determination can light the path to greatness.”
Today, Dr. Gibson stands as proof that rising above adversity is possible. His story isn’t just his own—it’s a beacon of hope for millions fighting systemic barriers every day. It’s a reminder that no matter how bleak life may seem, there is always a path forward.
Through his work and advocacy, Dr. Gibson continues to fight for justice, equality, and the recognition that housing is a human right, not a privilege.
Follow @perriedaniellgibson and @drkingyaspeaks to learn more about his inspiring journey and ongoing mission to address the root causes of homelessness.
