The song of the day today is "What Sin Replaces Love" by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals. Fast forward to the 0:30 mark to skip the frankensteinian Henry Rollins.
I arrived at Tent City last night around 7:00 to find about twenty-five residents gathered around the Administration Building. It is rare to find many of the residents in the same spot at one time. Usually at any given time, the greatest number of them found together is around eight with others scattered around town or in their tents. Most residents get government assistance of some sort with checks normally arriving on the third day of each month. By the end of the month, though, the money has dried up for most leaving them with nothing to do but hang out here.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
June 28, 2011
Sorry for the delayed post. Taking a break from homelessness requires more time than being homeless. The song of the day today is "When the Levee Breaks" performed by some old guy.
I had to do some grocery shopping yesterday and I stopped by the library on my way back to Tent City. The Doctor was outside breathlessly explaining something to a security guard and another homeless man. "After the bill is passed in the House, it goes to the Senate for approval" he says. "Now the Senate can do one of two things: Pass it, or vote it down." The other homeless man seems surprised by these two choices. "Oh REALLY?!" he exclaims. I guess he was thinking that the options would be to either pay it or not pay it, and I hope that The Doctor doesn't realize this and start all over. It doesn't seem to faze him, and he goes on explaining the process of the former option and states that the governor can veto the bill, sending it back to Congress. I'm certain that the other homeless man thinks that V-Toe is a medical ailment which exempts the sufferer from paying bills when he says that his wife received government disability before she passed away. It's a good thing The Doctor does not mind if his audience is getting what he's saying and he keeps explaining how a bill becomes a law. Many conversations between homeless people make no sense at all.
I had to do some grocery shopping yesterday and I stopped by the library on my way back to Tent City. The Doctor was outside breathlessly explaining something to a security guard and another homeless man. "After the bill is passed in the House, it goes to the Senate for approval" he says. "Now the Senate can do one of two things: Pass it, or vote it down." The other homeless man seems surprised by these two choices. "Oh REALLY?!" he exclaims. I guess he was thinking that the options would be to either pay it or not pay it, and I hope that The Doctor doesn't realize this and start all over. It doesn't seem to faze him, and he goes on explaining the process of the former option and states that the governor can veto the bill, sending it back to Congress. I'm certain that the other homeless man thinks that V-Toe is a medical ailment which exempts the sufferer from paying bills when he says that his wife received government disability before she passed away. It's a good thing The Doctor does not mind if his audience is getting what he's saying and he keeps explaining how a bill becomes a law. Many conversations between homeless people make no sense at all.
Friday, June 24, 2011
June 23, 2011
This weekend is the second of my weekends off. If you're in Lubbock and you get the chance, stop by Tent City and see some of these people. Bring them some watermelon or some ice cream, anything to cool them down. The song of the day today is "Cheap" by Seasick Steve.
I went to the abandoned house last night around 10:00, and everyone there was already in high spirits. I'm not sure what time these guys usually get started, but it's clear that I am very late to the party. There are several conversations going on at once among the eight or so residents, and I try and get in on one. It takes a few seconds for me to realize that there are not very many coherent conversations going on and everyone seems to be speaking at once. Julius is quite passionate about something and I'm a little nervous standing next to him when he speaks. Julius is about 6'3" with a muscular build and several teeth missing. He's got very dark skin, and I can only see his eyes as he rails against society. The abandoned house is not well lit and the darkness seems to amplify Julius's slow and deliberate speech. "African Americans built this country" he booms. "Pickin' cotton! Raisin' the key-ids!" There's a white guy standing across from Julius nodding at everything he says. This guy's about fifty and quite normal looking. He's always got a friendly grin on his face, and speaks with a friendly tone. At first, I think that he's got the hiccups as I hear a "yup" come from his grin every five seconds or so. It takes me a minute to realize that this is just what he does; vocalize his agreement with anything anybody says. I decide to call him Lenny. Lenny tries to get everyone's attention so that he can say something, but his soft spoken manner isn't very effective at commanding attention. He finally sees a break in the conversation and says "If I ever live in a mansion, you know who I'm gonna call?" he doesn't wait for anyone to answer before he says "You guys. The fridge'll be full of beer and I'll have plenty of beds, and..." He's cut off by Julius who begins to tell a story about the time he was in the army.
I went to the abandoned house last night around 10:00, and everyone there was already in high spirits. I'm not sure what time these guys usually get started, but it's clear that I am very late to the party. There are several conversations going on at once among the eight or so residents, and I try and get in on one. It takes a few seconds for me to realize that there are not very many coherent conversations going on and everyone seems to be speaking at once. Julius is quite passionate about something and I'm a little nervous standing next to him when he speaks. Julius is about 6'3" with a muscular build and several teeth missing. He's got very dark skin, and I can only see his eyes as he rails against society. The abandoned house is not well lit and the darkness seems to amplify Julius's slow and deliberate speech. "African Americans built this country" he booms. "Pickin' cotton! Raisin' the key-ids!" There's a white guy standing across from Julius nodding at everything he says. This guy's about fifty and quite normal looking. He's always got a friendly grin on his face, and speaks with a friendly tone. At first, I think that he's got the hiccups as I hear a "yup" come from his grin every five seconds or so. It takes me a minute to realize that this is just what he does; vocalize his agreement with anything anybody says. I decide to call him Lenny. Lenny tries to get everyone's attention so that he can say something, but his soft spoken manner isn't very effective at commanding attention. He finally sees a break in the conversation and says "If I ever live in a mansion, you know who I'm gonna call?" he doesn't wait for anyone to answer before he says "You guys. The fridge'll be full of beer and I'll have plenty of beds, and..." He's cut off by Julius who begins to tell a story about the time he was in the army.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
June 22, 2011
I know I'm a day behind on my dates, but I'm still in denial that I won't miss a post. I will probably be skipping a post soon. The song of the day today is "Galveston" by Glen Campbell. It's been reported that Glen has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's, but is going to go ahead and record his final album. Get ready for thirteen songs about the time he took you on a fishing trip that was only attended by him and a cousin that resembles you.
I arrived at Tent City last night around 7:00. My bike had gotten a flat tire, and I haven't been able to use it for the past couple of days. I was finally able to find the right sized inner tube and fix it, and I'm glad to have transportation again. While taking the bus is nice if you know what bus to take and the critical times of the route, it is brutal if you are trying to go somewhere you've never ridden to before by a certain time. It's worse if you're the only person on the bus and the bus driver keeps stopping at every stop even when no one is waiting. Road rage is ten times worse when you're not even in control of the vehicle you're riding.
I arrived at Tent City last night around 7:00. My bike had gotten a flat tire, and I haven't been able to use it for the past couple of days. I was finally able to find the right sized inner tube and fix it, and I'm glad to have transportation again. While taking the bus is nice if you know what bus to take and the critical times of the route, it is brutal if you are trying to go somewhere you've never ridden to before by a certain time. It's worse if you're the only person on the bus and the bus driver keeps stopping at every stop even when no one is waiting. Road rage is ten times worse when you're not even in control of the vehicle you're riding.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
June 21, 2011
The song of the day today is "Make It Rain" by Tom Waits. Blogger's video application is not working at the moment so you'll have to click the link to watch the video.
I am asked a lot of questions about my safety during this month. This was a concern of mine leading up to this experiment, but all my worries quickly faded. My thought was that, if I could stay out of "shady" situations and places, I would be perfectly fine. My only concerns were: 1) Being found out that I was not actually destitute, and 2) random acts of violence. The first has not been a big deal. I've found that I look sufficiently homeless especially when carrying my backpack (almost always), and definitely when I have gone several days without showering. The second has not been a concern at all. The "shady rule" covers me as I never walk alone at night, and I don't go anywhere with anybody. Some might argue that Tent City is a shady place, but anyone who has been there will argue otherwise. It is in a part of town where the crime rate is about mid-range, and it is surrounded by neighborhoods with high crime rates. But, the gates are locked every night and someone is always on duty. Besides, what would anyone want with homeless people? The thing about being homeless is that everybody assumes that you don't have anything they want, and they're probably right. So, I would say that I feel just as safe sleeping at Tent City as I did sleeping in my house.
I am asked a lot of questions about my safety during this month. This was a concern of mine leading up to this experiment, but all my worries quickly faded. My thought was that, if I could stay out of "shady" situations and places, I would be perfectly fine. My only concerns were: 1) Being found out that I was not actually destitute, and 2) random acts of violence. The first has not been a big deal. I've found that I look sufficiently homeless especially when carrying my backpack (almost always), and definitely when I have gone several days without showering. The second has not been a concern at all. The "shady rule" covers me as I never walk alone at night, and I don't go anywhere with anybody. Some might argue that Tent City is a shady place, but anyone who has been there will argue otherwise. It is in a part of town where the crime rate is about mid-range, and it is surrounded by neighborhoods with high crime rates. But, the gates are locked every night and someone is always on duty. Besides, what would anyone want with homeless people? The thing about being homeless is that everybody assumes that you don't have anything they want, and they're probably right. So, I would say that I feel just as safe sleeping at Tent City as I did sleeping in my house.
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 20, 2011
I've decided that I will start writing a longer entry covering the weekend and post it on Sunday night or Monday morning. The posts on the other days of the week will probably be cut back a bit on account of limited internet usage. The song of the day today is "God's Gonna Cut You Down" by Johnny Cash.
Since I spend my days at work, the only time that I’m around Tent City during the daytime is on the weekends. Saturday at Tent City it was hot, windy, and dusty. There is not much relief in the way of shade and the dust really blows. Many seek shelter in the Administration Building from the wind and the dust which, in my opinion, is a worse enemy than the heat. The Administration Building has central air conditioning that provides a reprieve from the heat to those who want it. The heat doesn’t seem to bother some residents as long as they can find some shade. I sit in the shade with an elderly woman everyone calls Miss Mary who is one of the sweetest old women I’ve ever known. Miss Mary is probably in her seventies, and I know that she has diabetes, and probably a host of other health problems. She is weak and walks slowly, but the residents of Tent City all keep a close eye on her, including Alabama. Miss Mary is always sure to be stocked with ice and water that she keeps in a cooler in her tent delivered daily by a concerned citizen. She keeps a garden on the side of the Administration Building that has some melons and squash growing now. There is never a shortage of volunteers helping Miss Mary water her garden, and even the toughest residents have walked her back to her tent when the wind is blowing too hard. I don’t know how she makes it some days in the heat and I wonder if she would accept a spot in an assisted living facility should she be offered one. I know that she would be a hoarder if given a spot in a place such as that, always taking crackers and sugar from the dining room and knocking on people’s doors to collect their empty cans. I guess it’s better than knocking on doors and asking for spare medication which is what I’m sure many of our peers would do if given the chance.
Friday, June 17, 2011
June 17, 2011
The song of the day today is "America's Favorite Pastime" by Todd Snider. If you don't know the story of Dock Ellis's no-hitter while tripping on LSD, click here. And, if you don't know Todd Snider click here.
I decided to take the bus yesterday as my bike needed some work that I didn't feel like waking up early to do. I arrived at the bus station downtown to find that the bus was free all day. The bus station is very nice, and a remodel which began last year is almost complete. It's got the feel of an airport, but it is actually nicer than any airport I've been to. I decide to buy a cup of coffee from a vending machine while I wait for my bus to arrive. A man in his fifties who is wearing slightly nicer clothes than I am approaches me and asks if the bandana I have hanging off my backpack is an American flag. I ignore the fact that it's a strange question and tell him that it is an American flag. He then asks me for spare change, and I don't really know what to think. I'm wondering if he's got some sort of sixth sense about who is really homeless and who is just a poser until I notice the drool on his chin. I'm relieved to find that he's just insane, and I give him the rest of my change (about thirty cents). I walk outside and I see Bill sitting on a bench waiting for the same bus as me. He's drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette, and he doesn't look so good. I don't imagine waking up in a tent with the sun shining down on you is pleasant after a night of drinking beer, and I feel his pain. We exchange nods and sit in silence until our bus arrives. The ride was quite pleasant as I was able to sit and read the newspaper the entire thirty minute ride to work. I may consider taking the bus more often.
I decided to take the bus yesterday as my bike needed some work that I didn't feel like waking up early to do. I arrived at the bus station downtown to find that the bus was free all day. The bus station is very nice, and a remodel which began last year is almost complete. It's got the feel of an airport, but it is actually nicer than any airport I've been to. I decide to buy a cup of coffee from a vending machine while I wait for my bus to arrive. A man in his fifties who is wearing slightly nicer clothes than I am approaches me and asks if the bandana I have hanging off my backpack is an American flag. I ignore the fact that it's a strange question and tell him that it is an American flag. He then asks me for spare change, and I don't really know what to think. I'm wondering if he's got some sort of sixth sense about who is really homeless and who is just a poser until I notice the drool on his chin. I'm relieved to find that he's just insane, and I give him the rest of my change (about thirty cents). I walk outside and I see Bill sitting on a bench waiting for the same bus as me. He's drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette, and he doesn't look so good. I don't imagine waking up in a tent with the sun shining down on you is pleasant after a night of drinking beer, and I feel his pain. We exchange nods and sit in silence until our bus arrives. The ride was quite pleasant as I was able to sit and read the newspaper the entire thirty minute ride to work. I may consider taking the bus more often.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
June 16, 2011
The song of the day today is "Killing Time in Texas" by Gurf Morlix.
I stopped at a convenience store not far from Tent City on my way back last night to get something to drink. I walk in at the same time as another resident who I've spoken to on a couple occasions. He's an old man of about seventy with grey hair and a big, thick, grey beard. He doesn't have any teeth and he gives me a big, toothless grin as he stumbles inside. He's a little overweight and he always wears a pair of stained work pants and a t-shirt. On top of his head sits a hat that crowns him World's Greatest Grandpa, and I decide to call him Pops. Pops is drunk right now and he heads straight for a tub of twenty four ounce cans of high gravity beer. He picks out a can of Steel Reserve and turns to the clerk. "Rang me up one more time, boss." he tells the man with a Texas twang. Pops pays the man in change, gets a bag for his beer, and heads outside. After I pay, I head outside to find Pops waiting for me. He asks me how things are going as we begin to walk towards Tent City. I find that I have to slow my pace as Pops takes three steps swaying side to side for each one of mine moving forward. He says that he and a few guys are drinking beer behind an abandoned house near the gas station and invites me to come. I decline and we part ways. I can hear his compadres behind the house laughing at some joke I didn't hear and, even though Pops didn't hear it either, he lets out a cackle.
I stopped at a convenience store not far from Tent City on my way back last night to get something to drink. I walk in at the same time as another resident who I've spoken to on a couple occasions. He's an old man of about seventy with grey hair and a big, thick, grey beard. He doesn't have any teeth and he gives me a big, toothless grin as he stumbles inside. He's a little overweight and he always wears a pair of stained work pants and a t-shirt. On top of his head sits a hat that crowns him World's Greatest Grandpa, and I decide to call him Pops. Pops is drunk right now and he heads straight for a tub of twenty four ounce cans of high gravity beer. He picks out a can of Steel Reserve and turns to the clerk. "Rang me up one more time, boss." he tells the man with a Texas twang. Pops pays the man in change, gets a bag for his beer, and heads outside. After I pay, I head outside to find Pops waiting for me. He asks me how things are going as we begin to walk towards Tent City. I find that I have to slow my pace as Pops takes three steps swaying side to side for each one of mine moving forward. He says that he and a few guys are drinking beer behind an abandoned house near the gas station and invites me to come. I decline and we part ways. I can hear his compadres behind the house laughing at some joke I didn't hear and, even though Pops didn't hear it either, he lets out a cackle.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
June 15, 2011
I've been asked several questions about my panhandling. I don't actually collect any money when holding my signs. I just stand there long enough to have a picture taken. Maybe I'll collect money one day to see how it goes. Feel free to leave suggestions as to what the proceeds should go to (new bike). The song of the day today is "T for Texas" performed by Johnny Cash.
I arrived at Tent City last night around 7:00 to find a small group of people gathered near the Administration Building. They are talking intently about something and I learn that Rufus nearly got into a fight with Julius. It's unclear what the argument was about, but I learn that a few people think Rufus is not well in the head. I've not received word if the council will be summoned in the case of Rufus v. Julius. A black man of about sixty years with a thin, white beard is lounging at the picnic table near the entrance to the Administration Building. I've seen him every day that I've been at Tent City, and have gathered that he goes by Alabama. Alabama is loud and constantly talking and smoking cigarettes, though it has become apparent that he may not have bought a pack in his life. He speaks with a quick cadence typical of old, southern, black men and sounds like a mix between this guy and this guy. He's wearing a Bowling for Soup shirt, but I doubt he's much into the pop-punk scene as he does not wear sweat bands and Doug Funnie shoes. Alabama is telling everyone that he wouldn't mess with Rufus because "hegottha crazystrenth." Alabama speaks with an air of authority that is tough to argue with.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 10, 2011
This weekend is one of my weekends off from homelessness. I'll be back to post on Tuesday, Tuesday, Tuesday. If you didn't read that like a monster truck announcer, you should be ashamed. The song of the day today is "I Want You" as performed by Taddy Porter.
Yesterday after work, I decide that I need to do laundry and take a shower (I have not showered since Monday except for washing my hair in a sink on Wednesday). I head to Carpenter's Church at 6:00, and I arrive to find the door locked. There are several people milling around outside and I ask one of them when Carpenter's Church is open for the homeless to use these services. He informs me that Carpenter's Church does not have laundry facilities as I had been told, but their showers may be used from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. He tells me that the Salvation Army might let me do laundry. I head to the Salvation Army and speak with the desk clerk. He tells me that only residents of the facility may use the laundry room, but points me to a building a little over a mile away that allows the homeless to do laundry from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM weekdays. I've found that this is the most frustrating part of being homeless. Services are provided at the most inconvenient hours for the employed. The lack of a free laundry facility is not that big of a deal because the homeless can always use a laundromat at almost any hour, and it only costs about $1.00 per load (if you air dry). Showers are a more pressing need. Of course truck stops have showers, but truck stops are not always conveniently located and you have to pay.
Yesterday after work, I decide that I need to do laundry and take a shower (I have not showered since Monday except for washing my hair in a sink on Wednesday). I head to Carpenter's Church at 6:00, and I arrive to find the door locked. There are several people milling around outside and I ask one of them when Carpenter's Church is open for the homeless to use these services. He informs me that Carpenter's Church does not have laundry facilities as I had been told, but their showers may be used from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM. He tells me that the Salvation Army might let me do laundry. I head to the Salvation Army and speak with the desk clerk. He tells me that only residents of the facility may use the laundry room, but points me to a building a little over a mile away that allows the homeless to do laundry from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM weekdays. I've found that this is the most frustrating part of being homeless. Services are provided at the most inconvenient hours for the employed. The lack of a free laundry facility is not that big of a deal because the homeless can always use a laundromat at almost any hour, and it only costs about $1.00 per load (if you air dry). Showers are a more pressing need. Of course truck stops have showers, but truck stops are not always conveniently located and you have to pay.
Thursday, June 9, 2011
June 9, 2011
Former Boston Celtics big man, Henry Finkel dropped in on yesterday's post to ask what kind of pants I wear. A great question, Henry. They are U.S. Expedition brand cotton shorts purchased at a thrift store for four dollars, and the very latest in homeless fashion. The song of the day today is "Devil's Basement" by Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights with cameo appearances by Optimus Prime and Super...man?
After grabbing dinner at Taco Villa last night, I headed to Tent City. It's just before 9:00, and I'm relieved I don't have to ask someone to come unlock the gate for me. Several residents are sitting at the picnic tables near the Administration Building. They are discussing the upcoming remodel of the Administration Building and I decide to walk in and take a look around. As of right now, the building consists of a main room, a bathroom, and a TV room. The main room is about twenty five feet by fifteen feet and contains a microwave, coffee pot, and hot plate on a countertop which bisects the room lengthwise. Usually this room is occupied by the younger residents of the camp after 7:00 PM, but they are absent tonight. I ask someone where they are and he says that he heard they got a motel room for the week. I imagine the eight of them in a motel room for a week, and every scenario in my head ends with at least one of them dead and most in jail. I'm relieved to hear that we won't have to deal with them for a while, and it seems all the other residents are too. Though I don't think they've broken any rules of the camp, I am uneasy when they are around. I know that a couple of them work, but they rarely have anything to show for it as evidenced by the makeshift spaghetti they ate a couple nights ago. All signs point to drugs harder than the pot they went to smoke the other night, and I hope they end up in jail over the course of the week. I decide to monitor the active roster for the Lubbock County Jail to be sure.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
June 8, 2011
A quick note: I appreciate all of the responses to my project, but please do not come out to Tent City to visit. I do not want to draw any attention to myself from my fellow wanderers. If you want to talk, e-mail me or message me on Twitter. If you want to hang out, call me. I know a great little place with a ton of fluorescent light bulbs just waiting to be smashed. The song of the day today is "With a Little Help from My Friends" as performed by Joe Cocker on the Mad Dogs and Englishmen tour. Joe Cocker has done more to raise awareness for cerebral palsy than any musician that I know of.
A few notes:
By far the best part of being homeless is the time that I have on my hands. My situation is far different from most of the homeless population as I work for eight hours a day in an air conditioned office, but that is all I have to do on most days. Some days I have to run some errands - go to the bank, go to the post office, go to the grocery store - but, that's it. In my spare time I read, go to the library, hang out with my girlfriend, ride my bike around, sit around and talk with people, or roam around downtown. Last night, I had a few extra dollars so I went and had a couple beers at a bar while I watched the basketball game. I've seen a lot of things that I had never noticed before, and have found places that are very cool and unique. This past weekend, I found a parking garage downtown with an elevator and I rode my bike down the ramp a few times. It was awesome. One day, I climbed a fire escape to the top of a building and threw stuff off the side. Downtown is definitely my favorite place to be. On weekends or in the evenings, not a lot of people are down there except the homeless. In the summertime, the homeless do whatever they can to stay out of the sun. Reading is the most popular activity I've seen among them. Many have library cards and take full advantage of all the library has to offer.
A few notes:
By far the best part of being homeless is the time that I have on my hands. My situation is far different from most of the homeless population as I work for eight hours a day in an air conditioned office, but that is all I have to do on most days. Some days I have to run some errands - go to the bank, go to the post office, go to the grocery store - but, that's it. In my spare time I read, go to the library, hang out with my girlfriend, ride my bike around, sit around and talk with people, or roam around downtown. Last night, I had a few extra dollars so I went and had a couple beers at a bar while I watched the basketball game. I've seen a lot of things that I had never noticed before, and have found places that are very cool and unique. This past weekend, I found a parking garage downtown with an elevator and I rode my bike down the ramp a few times. It was awesome. One day, I climbed a fire escape to the top of a building and threw stuff off the side. Downtown is definitely my favorite place to be. On weekends or in the evenings, not a lot of people are down there except the homeless. In the summertime, the homeless do whatever they can to stay out of the sun. Reading is the most popular activity I've seen among them. Many have library cards and take full advantage of all the library has to offer.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June 7, 2011
Sorry for the delayed post. I've found it tough to settle into a routine. Expect sporadic posting. The song of the day today is "Trouble Weighs a Ton" by Dan Auerbach.
At dinner on Saturday, I sit with the man who is a recovering alcoholic. He caught me when I walked in and asked me some questions about my backpack so I feel like we've established a connection based on our mutual disdain for carrying things and I sit next to him. I've decided to call him Chuck. Another man who I cleaned the kitchen with one morning is at the table. He's a middle aged man who is tall and skinny and has a push broom mustache that covers his top lip and looks like a Ron. Ron is a recent victim of The Doctor's onslaughts of nonsensical verbiage, but he did manage to get some words in while The Doctor caught his breath one morning. He said that he was laid off recently, but is only waiting on a background check before he is hired by another employer. He speaks slow and is unassuming and I feel confident that he will pass the background check. Now, he is telling Chuck about his laptop. He says that he has rented some movies from the library. He lists the titles of them and Pirates of the Caribbean is the only one that Chuck has not seen. They make plans to watch the movie together on Sunday afternoon, and Ron is going to try and find some external speakers at Goodwill so that they will be able to hear. One thing I have learned is that the homeless are both bored and sometimes hopeless. Every little thing is looked forward to. I believe this is why so many of them smoke.
At dinner on Saturday, I sit with the man who is a recovering alcoholic. He caught me when I walked in and asked me some questions about my backpack so I feel like we've established a connection based on our mutual disdain for carrying things and I sit next to him. I've decided to call him Chuck. Another man who I cleaned the kitchen with one morning is at the table. He's a middle aged man who is tall and skinny and has a push broom mustache that covers his top lip and looks like a Ron. Ron is a recent victim of The Doctor's onslaughts of nonsensical verbiage, but he did manage to get some words in while The Doctor caught his breath one morning. He said that he was laid off recently, but is only waiting on a background check before he is hired by another employer. He speaks slow and is unassuming and I feel confident that he will pass the background check. Now, he is telling Chuck about his laptop. He says that he has rented some movies from the library. He lists the titles of them and Pirates of the Caribbean is the only one that Chuck has not seen. They make plans to watch the movie together on Sunday afternoon, and Ron is going to try and find some external speakers at Goodwill so that they will be able to hear. One thing I have learned is that the homeless are both bored and sometimes hopeless. Every little thing is looked forward to. I believe this is why so many of them smoke.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June 5, 2011
Sorry there was no post yesterday. Access to the internet is not easy to come by for the homeless regardless of what The Doctor says. Anyway, the song of the day today is "Junk Queen" by Brian Wright reminding us that there is someone for everyone.
Last night was my first night at Tent City. A brief history of Tent City (follow the links for more): There was a need for another place for the homeless to stay back in January of this year because local churches who provided shelter in previous winters were unable to this past winter. Carpenter's Church, a local church dedicated to helping the homeless, began leasing tents to those who agreed to follow a set of rules. The site chosen was a patch of grass at a city park (a memorial to those who died in the 1970 tornado). As this piece of land would need to be maintained in the spring, a new site would have to be chosen. The Executive Director of Link Ministries donated a piece of land and an adjacent building (with bathrooms) as the new site for Tent City. There are now about 50 people living in roughly 40 tents at this location.
Last night was my first night at Tent City. A brief history of Tent City (follow the links for more): There was a need for another place for the homeless to stay back in January of this year because local churches who provided shelter in previous winters were unable to this past winter. Carpenter's Church, a local church dedicated to helping the homeless, began leasing tents to those who agreed to follow a set of rules. The site chosen was a patch of grass at a city park (a memorial to those who died in the 1970 tornado). As this piece of land would need to be maintained in the spring, a new site would have to be chosen. The Executive Director of Link Ministries donated a piece of land and an adjacent building (with bathrooms) as the new site for Tent City. There are now about 50 people living in roughly 40 tents at this location.
Friday, June 3, 2011
June 3, 2011
A quick note: I'm going to begin posting a "Song of the Day" at the beginning of each post. It will be a youtube video featuring a song of no particular importance. Today's song is "Dog House Boogie" by Seasick Steve.
I arrived at the Salvation Army last night just ahead of the 9:45 curfew. I'm signed in and given a clean towel and a bar of soap to shower. One rule at the Salvation Army is that everyone who stays must have good hygiene, and the Salvation Army provides all necessary toiletries. From what I can tell, everyone willingly follows this rule. Everyone has showered and are wearing clean clothes by the time I've arrived each night. There is also a laundry room that residents may use as they wish. I'm buzzed inside the men's dorm and I go put my backpack down in my room. Each room has 4 beds (2 bunk beds) and 4 storage areas. My storage area reminds me of the cubbyhole that I put my coat and lunchbox in when I was in the 2nd grade. Wendell is already asleep in his bed when I walk in. It looks like we have a new roommate who is sleeping in the bed below me. I saw him at breakfast the day prior. He is a 40 something white guy who is about 6' 6". His feet hang off the bed and he snores loudly.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
June 2, 2011
Last night I stayed at the Salvation Army. I arrived to find an older guy wearing sunglasses arguing with the clerk over a rule at the facility. The clerk had him read some particular rule that he had violated, and it seemed to satisfy the disgruntled patron. He picked up his white cane (the kind that blind people use) and walked out the door. When my turn came, I was told by the guy behind the glass that I could not bring my bike inside. I explained to the guy, who seemed nice enough, that I did not have a lock and chain. He replied that he was unable to accomodate my transportation so I rode a few blocks away and put the bike in a dumpster. Luckily, it was still there in the morning.
I returned and was asked to fill out some paperwork and read a list of rules while the clerk gathered a clean sheet, pillowcase, and towel for me to use. Then, I was shown my room by what appeared to be an elder statesman of the facility. He was obviously homeless and had been for many years. He looks quite a bit like Blue from Old School and I put his age right around 112. We leave the reception area and head through a remotely locked door to the men's side of the place. The women's side is just opposite the men's, across the reception area. The door locks behind us and we head to my room. It feels a bit like we're being held captive by the Salvation Army. No one is allowed to leave their side of the facility once they've checked in unless it's for one of the hourly smoke breaks.
I returned and was asked to fill out some paperwork and read a list of rules while the clerk gathered a clean sheet, pillowcase, and towel for me to use. Then, I was shown my room by what appeared to be an elder statesman of the facility. He was obviously homeless and had been for many years. He looks quite a bit like Blue from Old School and I put his age right around 112. We leave the reception area and head through a remotely locked door to the men's side of the place. The women's side is just opposite the men's, across the reception area. The door locks behind us and we head to my room. It feels a bit like we're being held captive by the Salvation Army. No one is allowed to leave their side of the facility once they've checked in unless it's for one of the hourly smoke breaks.
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