The idea for Dr. RonSonlyn Clark’s second book began with a conversation that stopped her in her tracks. A woman sitting in Clark’s office shared that she had once lived in Owensboro’s former Tent City. During the conversation, she mentioned leaning against a rock to rest.
“I felt like I had been hit by lightning,” Clark said. “I knew, I just knew in my soul this was what I was to write.”
That moment eventually became A Rock for My Pillow, a new book that combines the personal stories of people who have experienced homelessness, research into the causes of homelessness, and interviews with local service providers working to address the issue. All proceeds from book sales are being donated to Just People feeding teams.
Clark, the Clinical Director of Rooted Recovery, said several factors led her to take on the project. She had already published her autobiography, The Textbook Alcoholic, and wanted to write another book. At the same time, discussions about Tent City were frequently making headlines locally.
But it was that conversation in her office that provided the spark.
The title gained even deeper meaning when a co-worker pointed her to the Biblical story of Jacob, who, while wandering without a home, used a rock as a pillow.
“I had already titled the book and felt this was confirmation that I was doing the right thing,” Clark said.
The book explores the experiences of several local individuals who are either currently experiencing homelessness or have done so in the past. Clark said finding people willing to share their stories proved easier than expected.
She worked through local service providers and shelter contacts, beginning with two individuals connected to Tent City. Initial meetings took place in a home where the interviewees felt comfortable and safe.
“They were both really open from the beginning,” Clark said. “It’s mostly about establishing rapport and showing compassion.”
Through those conversations, Clark said she gained a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by people living without stable housing.
“I want people reading the book to see them with compassion,” she said. “Not ask why don’t you just get a job, but instead what can I do to help you. The people experiencing homelessness are ‘just people.’ Many of us are a divorce, a bad diagnosis or a lost job away from losing our stability.”
One of the book’s central themes is how quickly homelessness can occur. Clark’s research found that untreated mental illness is often at the center of the problem, followed closely by addiction.
“The most common reason is untreated mental illness followed by addiction,” she said. “Mental illness can cause severe depression, paranoia, loss of trust in people, and they soon become marginalized and end up in situations they never expected.”
As a behavioral health professional, Clark said she found the connection between mental health, addiction, trauma, and homelessness impossible to ignore.
“This is the root of the whole issue,” she said. “Mental health and addiction lead to trauma and vice versa. Every one of the individuals I interviewed had severe trauma that was untreated. All had or still struggled with addiction. Drug use was a way to cover up the pain. In order to get better, the individual needs help for each of these areas.”
While researching the book, Clark also spoke with local organizations and service providers. She believes Owensboro has many valuable resources available, but identified one significant gap in the community’s support system.
“The biggest gap I see in our community is a social detox facility,” she said. “A place someone using can go and sober up and be offered alternatives to returning to their situation.”
Clark said such a facility could serve as a bridge between life on the streets and long-term recovery services.
“As a Recovery Ready Community, we have a lot of services, but we have to get the people to the services,” she said. “This ‘safe off the streets’ model could be a first stop to getting them the help they need, and once they are in continuous sobriety, we need to work with them to get permanent housing and gainful employment. Other communities have similar programs, and we need to replicate this in Owensboro.”
Clark hopes the book also challenges some of the assumptions people often make about homelessness.
One misconception, she said, is that people experiencing homelessness are lazy.
“They certainly are not,” Clark said. “It takes a lot to take care of yourself in homelessness.”
Another common misunderstanding is that finding a job is a simple solution.
“So many things need to be in place before a job can happen,” she said. “They need an ID, job-ready clothing, an address, ability to get cleaned up for work, a phone, etc. Getting a job is dependent on many things we all take for granted.”
Clark credits her family, church family, and coworkers for helping her through what became an emotionally demanding project.
“There were times when I got discouraged or overwhelmed from hearing the stories,” she said. “They were there for me.”
One memory, in particular, remains with her.
“I remember the night I interviewed the first woman from Tent City, and it was raining,” Clark said. “I was in my warm bed and had trouble sleeping, knowing she didn’t have that same luxury. It was an emotional journey. I was honored God placed this on my heart.”
The decision to donate all proceeds to Just People feeding teams was rooted in Clark’s friendship with founder Dave Fogle and her desire to continue helping those facing hardship.
“I am hoping this will show compassion to those who need it and raise awareness in our community, and people begin asking the right questions,” she said. “Feeding people is Biblical, and I know this whole project has been inspired by God.”
Ultimately, Clark hopes readers walk away with a different perspective than they had when they opened the book.
“I want them to see people differently, use compassion and not condemnation, and take some action,” she said. “It’s going to take a community to help them. Owensboro is the most caring community I have ever been in; let’s just keep it going.”
A Rock for My Pillow is available now on Amazon or locally at Bruner’s Collectables (341 Washington Avenue) and Computer Dave Pc Repair (5010 Wildcat Way).
