When Richard LeMieux was getting help at the Salvation Army as a homeless man trying to get back on his feet, he was known as “Richard the Writer.” During the Kirkland Interfaith and Transitional Housing luncheon and fund-raiser event held at the Bellevue Marriott Fairfield Inn on Friday, April 16, the author’s nickname could have been “The Informer.”

LeMieux told the room of about 90 Eastside business and community leaders about his struggles through homelessness that ultimately inspired his book “Breakfast at Sally’s.” But LeMieux’s story is especially poignant for some, as he brings to light that anyone can become homeless.

“Prophets will tell you that some time in your life something will come along that you’re not expecting,” said LeMieux.

For the author, it was a long fall from luxury houses, cars and money to living in his Oldsmobile with his dog, Willow.

LeMieux began his career as a sports writer in Cincinnati reporting on the likes of the Cincinnati Red’s “Big Red Machine” John McEnroe and Mohammed Ali and other “sports heroes.”

From there he moved to Washington to take on a new career publishing directories. The rise of the internet and desk-top computers brought down his company prosperity.

“When I have spoken to Microsoft employees I let them know I still don’t own a computer,” said LeMieux, who used a second-hand typewriter to write his book while he was homeless.

LeMieux told the crowd about Christmas day in 2002, when he found himself on the Tacoma Narrows Bridge ready to commit suicide.

But the man who thought he lost everything felt as if his dog was calling him back.

“In my mind, Willow was the only thing that loved me and the only thing I loved,” said LeMieux. “I ran faster than I have ever run back to my car.”

The writer went to the Salvation Army in Bremerton and found help, eventually writing the book and getting back on his feet. The impact of the book has been far reaching beyond just sales: it has inspired two homeless shelters, including one in New York named for LeMieux’s dog, and has inspired countless people to get help.

“It is in every library in the country,” said LeMieux.

LeMieux pointed out that help can be found with organizations like KITH, which can be real “heroes” to those in need.

KITH has provided transitional and longer-term housing, case management, and client support to Eastside families for more than 20 years.

“People ask me ‘how can you tell people about that (being homeless)?'”

He said that he does it to bring to light the plight of those on the street.

LeMieux never thought his life would take the twists and turns that it did. He told of going to a Cleveland Indians’ game with his father when he was a boy and talking with a homeless man.

“I asked my father if he was a bum,” said LeMieux. “He told me ‘he is not a bum, just a man down on his luck.’ If you told me I would end up like that man I would have told you that you were crazy. But I did and anyone can.”

LeMieux does speaking engagements around the nation and came to Bellevue to help KITH.

“We can’t be a great city, we can’t be a great state or country if we have women and children living on the streets,” said LeMieux.

One local couple spoke at the luncheon, telling their story of how KITH is helping them get back on their feet.

Hal and Deana Buckley, and their three daughters, have progressively lost everything due to being laid off, a house fire and changes in the economy. Hal had a career in information technology and Deana was an engineer. Through KITH, the family has gone from living in a friend’s small room and on the verge of ending up on the streets to transitional housing. Deana is working towards her real estate license and Hal has found part-time work, but is still looking for a full-time job.

“It’s like being in a hole and trying to dig your way out,” said Deana, adding that KITH is the “ladder” that is helping her family to “crawl our way out.”

Bellevue High School drama students also volunteered their time to portray homeless kids throughout the hallways to the conference room of the luncheon.

Matt Phelps is a writer with the Kirkland Reporter. He can be reached at 425-822-9166.

For more information about KITH, visit www.kithcares.org.