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About the author
Janita-Marja Juvonen, who is listed simply as Janita in official documents, is a woman with many names and even more life experiences. Born Janita-Marja, she was renamed Stefanie by her adoptive parents and went by the nickname JJ on the streets. Despite the many identities and challenges in her life, one thing remains constant: she is and always will be Janita-Marja Juvonen.
At 43, she has experienced more than most people do in a lifetime. It was by no means certain that she would reach this age after struggling with severe drug addiction and homelessness for 14 years. These years have left not only physical scars, but also emotional ones, which led to her early retirement.
But retirement does not mean inactivity for Janita-Marja Juvonen. She is passionately involved in educational work on the issues of homelessness and addiction. She is particularly fond of visiting schools, where she shares her experiences with a wide age group, from 7 to 109 years old. She also offers city tours in Essen that focus on the complex issue of homelessness.
Thanks to social media, she has found a platform to spread her message further. She blogs regularly about her experiences and aims to shed light on the often invisible aspects of homelessness and addiction. Her goal is to give homelessness a face and create visibility for people living in the shadows of society.
Summary
Imagine a world that‘s just a few steps away from your own yet seems to exist in a different universe. «THE OTHERS» is not a book about a single person, but a compelling exploration of a hidden society that exists right among us. Janita-Marja Juvonen, who roamed the streets for over 14 years, opens our eyes to the realities of homelessness. And she does so from a perspective rarely found in literature on this subject: that of a woman.
In a world where homeless women are often less visible, Juvonen brings her experiences and those of her fellow sufferers into the spotlight. This book is a mirror that reflects the distorted prejudices of our society. It debunks the clichés of «it‘s their own fault» and «too lazy to work,» and shows that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of education or social status.
Experience everyday life on the street from this seldom-illuminated perspective. Feel the torturous uncertainty, the desperate search for a place to sleep, and the lack of privacy. Discover the solidarity in a world often forgotten by society.
Juvonen doesn‘t shy away from any topic. From the role of drug use as a survival strategy to the invisible dangers of pneumonia when you have no place to rest. She talks about menstruation, sexual violence, and the Kafkaesque world of bureaucracy that becomes a labyrinth for the homeless.
But «THE OTHERS» is more than a collection of misfortunes and survival struggles. It‘s an urgent call for a change in perspective. Juvonen challenges us to treat homeless women with dignity and respect for every human being. She advocates for innovative solutions.
The book also contains practical advice for dealing with homeless people. It aims to break down barriers and overcome prejudices. Janita advocates for more understanding, empathy, and equality in dealing with people affected by homelessness.
Let «THE OTHERS» inspire you to overcome your fears of contact and understand the needs of people on the fringes of society. It‘s more than a book; it‘s an invitation to humanity. It is a touching and insightful book that illuminates this important topic from a personal perspective.
