I was not required to wander without a destination to prove either thing.

The Cook County women and children’s shelter occupied a large stone building with heavy doors.

Inside, an intake worker handed me forms and asked about immediate safety, medication, prenatal care, and the resources I could access.

I wrote down the money I had, the outstanding legal expense, and the fact that my housing had ended.

I did not enter zero because the bank application would not load without data.

I needed help even though I still had some money.