North Woodmere resident is aiming to change the thinking on homelessness

Hearing the assumptions and contempt for people who are homeless sparked North Woodmere resident and Brandeis University junior Renée Nakkab to give voice to a portion of society that is typically ignored.

Nakkab, 20, wrote “It Can Happen to You: The Truth Behind Waltham’s Homeless Community,” after interviewing 30 adult men and women at a homeless shelter between September and December of last year. Brandeis University is in Waltham, Mass.

“I was walking in Manhattan and there was this very snooty couple and there was people obviously experiencing homeless and [the couple] said the most atrocious things assuming they are all bums, alcoholics, drug addicts,” Nakkab said.

Taking a project on that might even seem daunting to a more seasoned writer or journalist, Nakkab dove right in and just began listening to the men and women at the shelter in one-on-one sessions and began the building the trust that is needed to draw people out and will allow them to tell their stories.

“It was a special moment of growth when they trusted me with their precious stories,” she said. “Yes, my intention was to write a book. I love writing and the best way to help is through the power of words. A book was the best way to capture their essence and it is the proper platform to create change.”

The book was published in July by New Degree Press, which describes itself as an Independent Book Publishers’ Association-recognized hybrid publisher. The Potomac, Maryland-based business helps authors publish and use the book to “Create impact and drive outcomes.” Book writers retain full ownership rights and New Degree Press does not pay royalties.

Head of Publishing Brian Bies noted Nakkab’s work ethic and dedication throughout the process that he said helped to create a “more than a surface-level book.”     

“What made Renée standout out was her commitment to telling an under-heard story, and as she did it in a real and genuine way,” Bies said, adding that Nakkab had a first draft manuscript when she started working with New Degree Press. Then it was moving through the process which includes revisions, editing, copy editing, proofing, layout, cover design, pre-launch and  marketing.

“The purpose of Renée’s book was to write a book that would create change,” Bies said. “Her book is written in a way so the reader is able to look past people’s surfaces and restrain from initial judgement and criticism. Her book is one that has and will continue to open the hearts and minds of those who read it. As a young author, Renee wrote a book for all ages, a book that anyone can pick up, read, and be inspired and hopefully transformed by its message.”

Organizing the book was not as daunting as the “process kind of flowed” Nakkab said, but there was trepidation. “There are always butterflies when doing something new, but my family has always been very supportive and loving and one to say, ‘go shoot your shot,”’ Nakkab said, noting that just dove into the work. “I didn’t know anything about the homeless community, now I know so much more. There are preconceptions from the media. There are amazing people and homelessness can happen to anybody.” 

Based on several Amazon reviews Nakkab accomplished what she aimed to do: Make people  care and think more about people who are homeless. “Homelessness is such a complicated systemic issue,” wrote Alli E. “Renée has a thoughtful and compelling way of bringing the reader along the journey of homelessness. It has greatly deepened my compassion for the cause.”

To buy a copy, go to https://amzn.to/2ERZIda.