I am an American
Reno’s Lisa Lee tirelessly works to house the homeless
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
What does it mean to you to be an American?
To be an American means freedom from persecution. It means to celebrate diversity, to respect the liberties of our fellow citizens and to fight for those liberties. For me, America is the “Mother of Exiles” as exemplified by the Statue of Liberty and the famous words of Emma Lazarus, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.” That, to me, is what it means to be American.
What moment touched and motivated you to launch this effort?
As a child, I had several experiences with houseless individuals that left an impact. Years later, at the age of 18, I experienced homelessness for almost a decade. After years of reinventing myself — housed and sober — I pursued undergraduate and graduate degrees in anthropology. All of these experiences have driven my passion to draw attention to income inequality, the fallacy of meritocracy, mental illness, substance abuse, the trauma-informed approach and the belief in empowering others to use their own voices to become advocates for themselves and their communities.
What gives you hope or what concerns you?
The current political climate, globally, nationally and locally concern me. It feels as if the pendulum has shifted the world out of balance. Inequality is blatant; racial, economic, gender and ability inequality. We stand at the crossroads. I do have hope for the future. The youth fuel my hope for a chance at a sustainable and egalitarian world.
What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts?
The eradication of stigma and homelessness. I would love to put myself out of a job, make mead and live off the land. For now, I’ll keep plugging away at fighting for social justice, equality, inclusion and the right of everyone in America to have their basic needs met.