The book “Breakfast at Sally’s” is about one man’s homeless experience in Kitsap County.Richard LeMieux started writing this book in 2003 after being homeless for nine months. He was at the lowest point in his life. This is the story of what he lived through and the people he befriended along the way.

LeMieux had a good life, a prosperous business, a lovely home, a family and friends. One day all were gone. His business failed and he lost his home. His family and friends turned away. The only thing he could count on was his little dog, Willow. The two lived in an old van spending their nights in church parking lots for months on end. Once they stayed in a Denny’s lot, and another time in the Clearwater Casino parking area. LeMieux tells of the new friend he met, who he called C. LeMieux never knew C by any other name. C invited LeMieux to Sally’s for breakfast. This is where his book really begins. Sally is the fond name given to the Salvation Army in Bremerton. C became a mentor to LeMieux, helping him learn the way of the homeless. This book is not for the squeamish, and a few of the character’s language is foul. The story was not written to be pretty, but honest. LeMieux says it is 98 percent factual. You will know the organizations, places and streets he mentions in the book, from North Kitsap and Bremerton to Gig Harbor.

LeMieux tells of the wonderful people of the First United Methodist Church in Bremerton, who encouraged and helped him finish his book about the homeless and how they barely survive. He tells of those with no future, the mentally ill and suicidal. He also speaks of the plight of Viet Nam veterans as homeless men who came back to be spit on and emotionally no longer able to live a normal life. We see them now in Bremerton homeless with tags about their necks saying “Disabled.” He met women who had no place to live but for places like the Salvation Army, and the Abused Women & Children center, if there was enough room. He also met families with little children who were living in cars having lost their jobs and homes in this downturned economy — the new poor. These problems still continue, more so today.

Reading about some of these people one might say, “They are an unsavory lot, I don’t like what they have become, why should I help them? Get a job.”

LeMieux hopes their stories — and his — gives a better understanding of the homeless everywhere. How circumstances like theirs could happen to anyone of us. The phrase, “But for the grace of God go I,” is more true than some know.

No, it is not a pretty story. But there are churches, the Salvation Army and other organizations working together throughout Kitsap to help the homeless. LeMieux tells about them with gratitude. He continues to champion the homeless with his story and speaking engagements. It has become his mission in life to see “Willow Mission” help centers, named after his faithful little friend, open in every town.

Is it a great piece of literature? No, but it’s a story in our own backyard that can’t be ignored.