Even in a Shelter, you are not sheltered from "The Streets"

Photo by OK Connett 2010 - Homeless man

My next interview was with a 39 year old male who will turn 40 in December.

We will call him “Loco” to protect his identity. I let him choose his alias.

I could see why shortly after our interview began, Suddenly...

• A Street Thug burst into our interview conversation.
• He grabbed Loco by the throat.
• Slammed him against my vehicle.
• Swearing and threatening Loco.
• Turning on me, When I said "Hey, What are you doing?"

He was accusing Loco of calling him a name the previous day.

After numerous attempts to deny and explain that he did not say or do anything to this street thug, Loco was smacked in the face and threatened with bodily harm if further verbal slurs with directed upon the perpetrator.

Such is life on the streets, where power and aggression are just a blink away. ...Often whether justified or not in many cases.

Standing outside The Road Home shelter, I had just began speaking to the homeless man. I asked Loco if he knew anyone staying there, to which he replied he was. He explained to me part of the structuring of the “Road Home” and its available to men, women and families.

He stated he has only been there 2 weeks, though admits he has been homeless (off and on) most of his life. He shifts his feet and averts his gaze uncomfortably stating he really has no family or relative to turn to.

Not stereotypical.

Loco is polite, courteous and apologizes for frequent expletives. He has become part of the street. The rough lingo replete with profanity IS REQUIRED to establish "identity" on the streets. (It reminded me of the book Lord of the Flies)

He is only about 5’8”, maybe 145 lbs., the salt and pepper hair on his head and face creating a contrast between his perceived age of 50 rather than his actual 39 years.

Thrilled to work in a warehouse for $12/hour when he can get it.

The last job he had was warehouse job. Loco said it was a good job, it paid $12/hr., and lasted almost a year. When asked what happened to the job he lowers his head and states that it was a lay-off, so probably the economy. When asked if any other factors contributed, he stated that “Seniority” was also a factor, those who had been there over 2 years still had their jobs.

Proud to have beaten his addiction

Prior to this bout of homelessness, Loco states he moved to Salt Lake from Florida three years ago. In Florida he worked at a Wendy’s for 6 months and after losing that job he decided to attempt a new start in Utah. I questioned, what he meant by that?

Loco stated ;

"I have struggled with cocaine addiction".

He is quick to perk up, stand a bit straighter and pronounce that he is doing better and has 13 months “clean”. He states it was creating problems, including a brief encounter with the legal system. He proudly states he cleaned up on his own, no treatment program or anything, so I congratulated him.

He was visibly moved by my praise.

Homelessness has many stressors, mainly "Survival " !

As we discussed homelessness and what is the toughest part, he says it is the “Stress” and “Survival”. Though he admits there is the “shame” factor because people look down on you and fear you.

“It is totally foreign so it creates fear of the unknown”, he says.

He then goes on to explain that there are dangerous homeless people for sure, but usually most homeless people are very giving and very kind.

When asked if he had any advice on the best way to keep from becoming homeless?

He said:

“Definitely, don’t do drugs”!

He then paused, seemed to reflect and looked at me and said;

“It is really surprising how at any time, a situation can change and before you realize its happening, you are on your way to homelessness, swept up in a powerful river of circumstances you didn’t anticipate”.

I thanked him for his time, shook his hand and wished him luck. He started to turn away, instead asking me what time it was? I replied 7pm, which caused him to wince. Without conscious thought he mumbled,

“shit, missed meal time”

and without hesitation he said,

“Hey, you got any money, can you spare a couple bucks, I missed dinner?”

As I handed him some cash, in my mind I heard

“Welcome to the streets, and Homelessness, "