Damien

Facts:

Single
Was homeless for a long time, is not now
Holds down multiple jobs
Comes from an abusive, unstable background

His attitude about it:

Poverty is exhausting. The hardest part is trying to look normal, clean, and fit in with everyone else.
He believed. Has always believed. He knew he needed to break the cycle of what he was shown.

His advice:

You have to be focused and centered, and know exactly what you want.
You have to know how to say no to anything that will take you off your chosen path.
You have to know that your situation is temporary.