2/27/2006
Signs of Life
Had to visit the storage locker yesterday to retrieve my suit for my interview. On the way, I passed under the train tracks spanning East Cone Boulevard. Once underneath, I (instinctively, I guess) looked up into the girders. Sure enough, there was a blanket or quilt of some kind. Looked like it had been used sometimes within the past few days, too.
Since I currently have no car, I do a lot of walking; I've passed under a lot of bridges, and the relatively slow pace gives me time to really scan for signs of human habitation. The evidence is not under all bridges, but it's under enough of them to give some idea of the scope of the problem. It's usually something subtle: an abandoned blanket, a cardboard box strategically placed, perhaps some old camping gear (usually an indicator that its owner isn't too far away). I've only once actually glimpsed someone sleeping under a bridge. I wasn't homeless yet myself at the time, so of course, the only thing that ran through my mind is "there but for the grace of God go I."
Little did I know...
I've actually seen more entensive "accomodations." Entire small campsites set up under train trestles, overpasses, in and near abandoned dwellings. I'm sure that the area parks occasionally play unwitting host to men and women looking for a place to rest before heading out to do battle with life again the next day.
There must be some inducement we can offer those sleeping under bridges to abandon such areas (c'mon, people; they're sometimes not dry and often not safe) and try to secure space out of the rain. This is America, for God's sake. If we can put men on the moon (and soldiers in Iraq) we can certainly put the homeless somewhere drier and safer than an overpass.
Just my 1.5 cents (after taxes, of course).
Since I currently have no car, I do a lot of walking; I've passed under a lot of bridges, and the relatively slow pace gives me time to really scan for signs of human habitation. The evidence is not under all bridges, but it's under enough of them to give some idea of the scope of the problem. It's usually something subtle: an abandoned blanket, a cardboard box strategically placed, perhaps some old camping gear (usually an indicator that its owner isn't too far away). I've only once actually glimpsed someone sleeping under a bridge. I wasn't homeless yet myself at the time, so of course, the only thing that ran through my mind is "there but for the grace of God go I."
Little did I know...
I've actually seen more entensive "accomodations." Entire small campsites set up under train trestles, overpasses, in and near abandoned dwellings. I'm sure that the area parks occasionally play unwitting host to men and women looking for a place to rest before heading out to do battle with life again the next day.
There must be some inducement we can offer those sleeping under bridges to abandon such areas (c'mon, people; they're sometimes not dry and often not safe) and try to secure space out of the rain. This is America, for God's sake. If we can put men on the moon (and soldiers in Iraq) we can certainly put the homeless somewhere drier and safer than an overpass.
Just my 1.5 cents (after taxes, of course).
# posted by Cybermancer @ 10:42 AM 
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I've lived on the streets of portland... its not easy... just hang in there man, u'll get through... start small and work your way up... you'll make more true friends at the bottom than anywhere else, so when u do make it, dont forget them...
Hi,
Maybe.. for this time being, can you seek shelter in a church, or if you feel comfortable, even a mosque. Or some charitable organization? I hope can you can find someone to help you find you a job or a descent place to live?
I was thinking isn't it great if the poor have some sort camp home. I think one Asian architect has made that plan, but I don't quite remember who. Maybe governments can make use of their architects to think of cheap, safe, light materials that can make a very mobile camp-home for the poor.
Anyway, that's my US0.53 worth after the exchange rate. :) May God helps you. Amen
Maybe.. for this time being, can you seek shelter in a church, or if you feel comfortable, even a mosque. Or some charitable organization? I hope can you can find someone to help you find you a job or a descent place to live?
I was thinking isn't it great if the poor have some sort camp home. I think one Asian architect has made that plan, but I don't quite remember who. Maybe governments can make use of their architects to think of cheap, safe, light materials that can make a very mobile camp-home for the poor.
Anyway, that's my US0.53 worth after the exchange rate. :) May God helps you. Amen
Hi Michael. I have posted your link at my blog. (I hope you don't mind.) God speed and the best of luck to you and yours
Kid Galahad
www.semibonelessham.blogspot.com
Kid Galahad
www.semibonelessham.blogspot.com
This has generated more heat than flame so far. Will there ever be a second installment of this blog?
hello!
i don't know what to say, except i'm sending you good vibes and hoping for all the best.
chin up. i hope it all works out. x
i don't know what to say, except i'm sending you good vibes and hoping for all the best.
chin up. i hope it all works out. x
I'm not homeless and hopefully I won't ever be.I've been jobless before but always seemed to find sonme kinda work to keep me afloat until I could find a better job. If a person has a disability I can understand why they might be homeless and I do think they should be able to get help through our goverment.I am a truckdriver at this point in my life and been one for 15 years. The other day I met a driver who had no arms from the elbow down. He is in training to become a fuel hauler. I was amazed as I watched him perform the activities of loading his tanker which I,myself have problems at times and I have 2 fully functional arms. So please tell me what I am missing here.
Sincerly
Corinne
Sincerly
Corinne
Churches used to take people in...I know mine did. Until someone insisted on smoking in the church after we asked him not to and almost lit it on fire. My church is a poor downtown area and people try to come in there drunk....sometimes we have to say no. It cuts deep. I hope you and your family make it ok. Mayperhaps the newspaper article done on you brought some fortune your way.
Dudes, that is absolutely awesome what you have been doing. Thanks for giving a piece of your sould to the world. I know it sounds really new-agey but it seems to me that you trust in God... I might be wrong. And as everyone said. Keep hanging on. I'm sure that He has a reason for this... You may not know it, but I am sure that one day you'll look back and thank Him.
Ha, i thought i was the only homeless blogger. LOL. Yah living ion the streets does suck. But it is peaceful i must admit. Though being dirty aint me i have managed alright. Good Luck on your Interveiw bra.
# posted by 
: 9:35 PM
: 9:35 PM
i came into your blog my coincidence n i read with a prayer for you.
by the time i posted this message, i really do hope that things have turned better for you and your fam. and i hope your government can see how vital for everyone to have a place to call home. especially when you have young children, bcoz leaving on the streets only expose you to danger.
wishing you all the best...and take care.
by the time i posted this message, i really do hope that things have turned better for you and your fam. and i hope your government can see how vital for everyone to have a place to call home. especially when you have young children, bcoz leaving on the streets only expose you to danger.
wishing you all the best...and take care.
Hey greensboro, blogging from FLA here. I was homeless just a few short years ago. It could happen again --all it takes is a low paid job, a health crisis, some major bill that comes up, unexpectedly... I wrote a book about my experiences called Diary of a Wage Slave. It's as yet unpublished. You are a graphic artist. I'm a writer. Why can't we put our abilities together and produce a book that speaks for homeless people, by homeless people. Publishers, R u listening?
"Nobody knows you when you're down and out." (Ain't that the truth!) Hold on to your family, and those you love. Friends disappear fast when you're on the street. But at the same time, the friends you make when you're down and out are REAL. "Keep your head to the Sky."
Peace---Cris (rabblewriter.blogspot.com)
"Nobody knows you when you're down and out." (Ain't that the truth!) Hold on to your family, and those you love. Friends disappear fast when you're on the street. But at the same time, the friends you make when you're down and out are REAL. "Keep your head to the Sky."
Peace---Cris (rabblewriter.blogspot.com)
i just wanted to say to all homelse jobles people to place hang in there and look for ever avalble resourse theres in greensboro i dont know of any there very short herer this town dosent help with any thing as i lost my job and i dont want to loase my place ive been lookng for work every day a and have had a couple of interviws but dose any one know of any resourese i can take advantge of untill i can get on my feet all i need ios a job aand every thing will be all right one wants to hire me
I'm a socialworker and I have worked with homeless families and I know the struggle and isolation a family can feel while being homeless. I hope you and your family make it through this.
I'm so glad someone is thinking out of the box and bringing this to attention. Its brave of you to discuss this openly. God Bless and best of luck.
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