Ok, so I want to try this again! Last time we got enough to have the BBQ at the local park, but this time for 4th of July I really want to take some of the guys to the BBQ area on the Boston Harbor Islands! Problem here is with bus, train, & Ferry, we're looking at about $23 a head just in transportation.
We can cover food with our food stamps, but the travel, and other items such as plates, utensils, coal, and so on are items that need to be purchased with actual cash.
Last time for the memorial day BBQ, I had too many guys to be able to take them to the Island, so we did it locally. This time, and I hate to do it this way, but I've very set on going to the Harbor Islands, so I'm going to go by how many I can afford to take. Starting with myself, then Pops, and then moving down the line. I REALLY do not want to turn anyone away, and it would be anywhere from 5 to 10 guys. However if I can only bring 2 or 3, then that's how it has to be, I can't switch to local park this time.
One of the main reasons for being set on the Island for the 4th is because the USS Constitution, which is still "active", comes out for a run around the harbor, firing canons and all. Other ships come to honor it, and I can't really put it to words, but it is an incredibly moving sight. To see it still out in the same waters it protected over 200 years ago, is very moving. I'm not even that patriotic and last year when I went with my ex it actually made me tear up a bit.
I want Pops and the other guys to experience this event this year, along with some good food, music, and conversation!
I had a very generous offer to host a reg BBQ for the entire shelter, but after speaking to the staff, there is too much to factor in for that to be realistic, essentially I would be responsible for making sure everyone is sober, and frankly I know many of the guys there, and no way I'm taking on that responsibility, not a chance in hell! LOL
But for a select few, who are clean, sober, and working hard towards a better life, I want to create a tryly memorable day.
So I'm starting collection early, because this is going to be a costly one, but if you want to help touch actual lives and make a difference, then anything you can give is greatly appreciated.
Even the last BBQ at the local park.. I can't tell you what it did for moral for these guys, and the sense of "normalcy" it gave them, has effected their everyday actions on many levels. I know it's a BBQ, but trust me, I'm here on the inside, this IS important, and it has amazing healing and helping qualities!!!.
Showing posts with label boston homeless travel entertainment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label boston homeless travel entertainment. Show all posts
Monday, June 13, 2011
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Boston on three dollars a day
I remember watching Rachel Ray going across the country on her $40 a day campaign. I also remember that it was in theory possible if you were ok with stiffing the wait staff out of tips, as Rachel would usually leave somewhere in the area of 2% tip to keep this $40 budget alive.
That’s all well and good, but now what if you don’t have $40, and you have no option of spending the day inside, or sleeping in. Well my friends, have no fear because I am here to tell you how you can do Boston on a mere $3 a day ;)
Since I’m an early riser, and by that I mean the shelter throws us out by 7:45am, I like to start my day with a fresh cup of coffee. Now please keep in mind that we do need to leave the shelter for this because the coffee there is… well frankly words escape me, but trust me it is no way to start the day, so it’s off to McDonalds we go.
Now first stop always needs to be McDonalds, because the Newman’s Own coffee is actually a very nice and strong cup of coffee, and you can get a large coffee for $1. Some locations, such as the one I am in typing this article as we “speak”, even offer free refills for your dollar.
Now one of the things you need to keep in mind is that a simple cup of coffee is so much more than that. That One Dollar cup of coffee is also a dry warm roof over your head. It’s a seat to rest and gather yourself. It’s a bathroom, it’s wifi, it’s electric outlets to charge up your phone and /or computer. So that is a lot of life’s basic accommodations for a single dollar.
Plus there is quite the social scene and entertainment at the local McDonalds, especially if you choose the one closest to a homeless population ;)
Here I sit with Pops across the table from me working on next novel that sadly nobody will probably ever read. We have a friend who has an interesting “I was really wasted one night in……..” story for just about any town in the USA. Here we also get to mingle with the ladies of the woman’s shelter. And by mingle I mostly mean avoid eye contact out of fear of being cut. Listen, there are some very nice ladies there, but there are more than a few of these women that are louder, meaner, tougher, and straight out more violent than the hardest guy in most prisons. These woman don’t play around! Nor do they possess an internal filter, so really just best to avoid all together. But hey, if you don’t mind spending a portion of the day in the emergency room or filing police reports, by all means feel free to get into the mix, it’s still free and falls under the spirit of this article.
Next stop, time to take in some local flavor. Now there’s lots you can do around town. You can do a little window shopping down around the Downtown Crossing area, and if you go on certain days you can catch a car show, a local band, or an outdoor art exhibit. So you can easily kill a good hour or two there, and then head right up the block to Boston Common. Also a great place to catch an impromptu ralley, parade, or entertaining gathering of some sort. If not you always have the option of finding a nice shady spot and enjoying a little quiet time. Personally I carry a backpack with a sheet, small transistor radio, and a book, so I’m ready for such an opportunity at any given time or place.
If it’s a particularly nice day we can move this party right to the beach by jumping the blue line right at State st and heading over to Revere Beach.
Now another key spot for the day, is the Boston Public Library. Just on a visual level the library at Copley Sq is fantastic. Huge old majestic building with huge marble stairs and balconies. A courtyard with a fantastic fountain and a very relaxing vibe. If you don’t have a computer, this is the place to get in all your internet time using public computers, and if you do have your own laptop then you are free to find any quiet spot on the grounds, plug into one of the many electric outlets, and tap into the wifi. Once again, another place to enjoy the security of shelter and a clean bathroom ;)
Another great option here is to take in a movie. Simply find the audio/visual area of your local library, and grab yourself a DVD, pop it in the computer and you’re now relaxing and enjoying a good movie. If you don’t have headphones, fear not, just go to the desk and they will give you a pair to use.
Now at this point, we’re already well into the day and we’ve only spent a dollar. Since we have $2 left in this experiment, it’s time to once again treat ourselves. Now personally I like to grab a couple of sandwiches from the shelter and throw them in my bag so I have them for later in the day, as well an extra one or two to give to someone else on the street who might be hungry.
So I’m going to take my $2 and now go for more coffee to get that little mid day pick me up.
This time we’re going to go for a more refined experience and head to Starbucks, where I’ll grab a Grande Bold for just under 2 dollars.
Once again we now have a relaxing environment with all the accommodations needed.(bathroom, wifi, electric).
However, if you preffer to go for food over over coffee with your last two dollars, you can always grab a cheap slice of pizza somewhere, or you can always hit Wendy’s and grab a couple of 99 cent double stacks.
Now keep in mind, I’ve been out the door early and up around dawn, so at this point, I’m ready to head back to the shelter, take my shoes off, and lay back for a bit, but if you want to continue on, there is always plenty more to do later in the day such as free outdoor movies behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, free concerts at the Esplanade, and plenty more. So don’t feel you have to stay indoors if you don’t have a lot of money, just get your ass out the door, embrace the day, and go have fun, there is always something better to do than just sit around watching life go buy. Don’t be like me and wait until you hit rock bottom to realize there is a whole world out there ;)
That’s all well and good, but now what if you don’t have $40, and you have no option of spending the day inside, or sleeping in. Well my friends, have no fear because I am here to tell you how you can do Boston on a mere $3 a day ;)
Since I’m an early riser, and by that I mean the shelter throws us out by 7:45am, I like to start my day with a fresh cup of coffee. Now please keep in mind that we do need to leave the shelter for this because the coffee there is… well frankly words escape me, but trust me it is no way to start the day, so it’s off to McDonalds we go.
Now first stop always needs to be McDonalds, because the Newman’s Own coffee is actually a very nice and strong cup of coffee, and you can get a large coffee for $1. Some locations, such as the one I am in typing this article as we “speak”, even offer free refills for your dollar.
Now one of the things you need to keep in mind is that a simple cup of coffee is so much more than that. That One Dollar cup of coffee is also a dry warm roof over your head. It’s a seat to rest and gather yourself. It’s a bathroom, it’s wifi, it’s electric outlets to charge up your phone and /or computer. So that is a lot of life’s basic accommodations for a single dollar.
Plus there is quite the social scene and entertainment at the local McDonalds, especially if you choose the one closest to a homeless population ;)
Here I sit with Pops across the table from me working on next novel that sadly nobody will probably ever read. We have a friend who has an interesting “I was really wasted one night in……..” story for just about any town in the USA. Here we also get to mingle with the ladies of the woman’s shelter. And by mingle I mostly mean avoid eye contact out of fear of being cut. Listen, there are some very nice ladies there, but there are more than a few of these women that are louder, meaner, tougher, and straight out more violent than the hardest guy in most prisons. These woman don’t play around! Nor do they possess an internal filter, so really just best to avoid all together. But hey, if you don’t mind spending a portion of the day in the emergency room or filing police reports, by all means feel free to get into the mix, it’s still free and falls under the spirit of this article.
Next stop, time to take in some local flavor. Now there’s lots you can do around town. You can do a little window shopping down around the Downtown Crossing area, and if you go on certain days you can catch a car show, a local band, or an outdoor art exhibit. So you can easily kill a good hour or two there, and then head right up the block to Boston Common. Also a great place to catch an impromptu ralley, parade, or entertaining gathering of some sort. If not you always have the option of finding a nice shady spot and enjoying a little quiet time. Personally I carry a backpack with a sheet, small transistor radio, and a book, so I’m ready for such an opportunity at any given time or place.
If it’s a particularly nice day we can move this party right to the beach by jumping the blue line right at State st and heading over to Revere Beach.
Now another key spot for the day, is the Boston Public Library. Just on a visual level the library at Copley Sq is fantastic. Huge old majestic building with huge marble stairs and balconies. A courtyard with a fantastic fountain and a very relaxing vibe. If you don’t have a computer, this is the place to get in all your internet time using public computers, and if you do have your own laptop then you are free to find any quiet spot on the grounds, plug into one of the many electric outlets, and tap into the wifi. Once again, another place to enjoy the security of shelter and a clean bathroom ;)
Another great option here is to take in a movie. Simply find the audio/visual area of your local library, and grab yourself a DVD, pop it in the computer and you’re now relaxing and enjoying a good movie. If you don’t have headphones, fear not, just go to the desk and they will give you a pair to use.
Now at this point, we’re already well into the day and we’ve only spent a dollar. Since we have $2 left in this experiment, it’s time to once again treat ourselves. Now personally I like to grab a couple of sandwiches from the shelter and throw them in my bag so I have them for later in the day, as well an extra one or two to give to someone else on the street who might be hungry.
So I’m going to take my $2 and now go for more coffee to get that little mid day pick me up.
This time we’re going to go for a more refined experience and head to Starbucks, where I’ll grab a Grande Bold for just under 2 dollars.
Once again we now have a relaxing environment with all the accommodations needed.(bathroom, wifi, electric).
However, if you preffer to go for food over over coffee with your last two dollars, you can always grab a cheap slice of pizza somewhere, or you can always hit Wendy’s and grab a couple of 99 cent double stacks.
Now keep in mind, I’ve been out the door early and up around dawn, so at this point, I’m ready to head back to the shelter, take my shoes off, and lay back for a bit, but if you want to continue on, there is always plenty more to do later in the day such as free outdoor movies behind the Boston Harbor Hotel, free concerts at the Esplanade, and plenty more. So don’t feel you have to stay indoors if you don’t have a lot of money, just get your ass out the door, embrace the day, and go have fun, there is always something better to do than just sit around watching life go buy. Don’t be like me and wait until you hit rock bottom to realize there is a whole world out there ;)
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Uninspired
I've been sitting at this computer for quite some time now thinking about what I want to write today, yet I find myself completely uninspired.
Contemplated writing about various learning experiences I've had during the week ranging from trying to help people and learning the hard way that some just aren't ready to be helped. I've considered writing about the fantastic sense of freedom that comes with being homeless. Perfect example being I just came from about 2 hours of traveling to get a cold energy drink from a particular CVS because their refrigerator is just a touch colder than most.
Then I thought maybe I'd write about a conversation I had with a friend yesterday regarding the crippling effects of a negative mindset, using examples from within my own shelter where I am very much disliked by some there simply because it seems I've started a "movement" of possitivity and self reliance among some of the guys, and those who've lost hope feel misdirected anger towards me.
Yet, none of these topics really appeal to me today, and still I remain uninspired.
Then it hit me like a ton of bricks, the perfect topic is in itself the absolute lack of inspiration!
You see, living in the shelter system, regardless how positive you remain, some days are.. well... just downright boring! All of the positive thinking in the world could not change the fact that we have to clear out of the shelter by 7:45am, and can't return untill 4pm, and on a cold rainy day like today, armed with nothing but food stamps and an unlimited transit pass, there is just really NOTHING to do to make the day go by.
I did some website work earlier this morning, which already seems like a lifetime ago, and now I've absolutely nothing to do to make this last 2 hours go by, other than sit and write about how uninspired I am to write anything. Which in itself, in my opinion, is freaking brilliant, yet even I won't fully appreciate until I'm reading it from under a shady tree on some moderately eventful day in the hopefully near future.
Now I bet you think I'm going to continue and go deeper into this topic, but then it's obvious you're not paying attention, I'm bored and uninspired!!!!
The End
:-)
PS: I did add a sneak peak at my latest article for Spare Change News, so at least you can read that
CLICK HERE or click the published articles link at top of page
PS: I did add a sneak peak at my latest article for Spare Change News, so at least you can read that
CLICK HERE or click the published articles link at top of page
This time I need something for myself
Ok so usually when I'm on here asking for donations there is a greater purpose than myself. Usually I'm putting something together to help someone else, or to help motivate others in this situation, and I appreciate the help. I often wind up using some of my own money as well for these causes, and trust me I don't have much, I get a whopping $96 a month while I'm waiting for my SSI/SSDI to be approved.
However this time I'm asking for something for myself. Nothing crazy or over the top, but I need a good pair of shorts and a bathing suit.
Being outside all day everyday in the sun, these are not items to be taken lightly! LOL
We get donated clothes all the time, but I'm a big guy and rarely do we get anything that fits. Mitzvah Circle did send clothes for us big guys, and I had a great pair of shorts, but they now are torn, and damnit I need good shorts with side pockets to carry extra crap!!
So this time I'm asking for myself. No greater cause, not to help others, just lil' ol' me in need of some summer gear.
Any help would be appreciated. You can use the donate link on the top right, or on the "How you can help page"
Thanks
However this time I'm asking for something for myself. Nothing crazy or over the top, but I need a good pair of shorts and a bathing suit.
Being outside all day everyday in the sun, these are not items to be taken lightly! LOL
We get donated clothes all the time, but I'm a big guy and rarely do we get anything that fits. Mitzvah Circle did send clothes for us big guys, and I had a great pair of shorts, but they now are torn, and damnit I need good shorts with side pockets to carry extra crap!!
So this time I'm asking for myself. No greater cause, not to help others, just lil' ol' me in need of some summer gear.
Any help would be appreciated. You can use the donate link on the top right, or on the "How you can help page"
Thanks
Friday, June 10, 2011
It's certainly no day at the beach.. oh wait..
Then it was off to the beach, for a little mid day nap in the sun, and now I'm at Starbucks enjoying a wonderful cup of bold courtesy of the lovely Fran from Mitzvah circle!
Doing a BBQ tomorrow with some of the guys from the shelter..... once again I find myself in this tough position. I feel I have almost a civic duty to find the negative in my situation so I can deliver more hard hitting commentary, but seriously, it's summer, the sense of freedom is nothing short of fantastic, I feel better than ever, and my future is looking better than ever.
Sorry to disapoint again, but homeless or not, life is just pretty damn good! :)
We're BBQ'n again
Since everyone had such s great time at the last one we're doing it again! This time it's a little send off for Pops who is moving out for 30 days, so we are sending him off properly!
The beauty this time around is that it wasn't my idea! These guys are learning to take the initiative, and pooled together and just told me when and where! I feel like a proud father lol
So we don't need donations this time to make it happen, but if you would like to donate(link at top right) a little i'll make sure something special hits the table tomorrow!
I'm looking forward to a nice Saturday with the guys
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Learning to accept defeat
So over the past couple of weeks I've been spending a lot of time over at a great drop in day shelter by Harvard. Great food, good people, has almost an old school barber shop feel to it at times, so I feel comfortable there hanging out talking smack :)
I met a guy there last yesterday who had been homeless for 10 days, and was all proud of myself yesterday that I was able to get him into the shelter I'm at, and he seemed genuinely excited.
He arrived on time, went through the intake, passed his urine test so he was obviously clean as he stated, and seemed very happy to be there.
Throughout the night I check on him, made sure he was all set with everything he needed, and he was. He was showered, did laundry, and was feeling great.
Today however I seen him at the soup kitchen by Harvard, and he thanked me, but said he would not be returning. When I asked why, he simply said he couldn't deal with the crowd. To the point where he would rather be on the street.
You have to understand the shelter I'm at is known as one of the best. It's CLEAN, I take 2 to 3 showers a day, use of laundry, we eat well.... as far as shelters it's everything you need and then some. Yet he would rather be on the street and be around people.
I begged him to see a psychiatrist asap regarding this phobia, but it's out of my hands.
The new element in my life of helping people is still new to me, and a learning process, but it still hurts when you simply can't help someone, and you're so close.
Guess I'm still learning as I go.
I met a guy there last yesterday who had been homeless for 10 days, and was all proud of myself yesterday that I was able to get him into the shelter I'm at, and he seemed genuinely excited.
He arrived on time, went through the intake, passed his urine test so he was obviously clean as he stated, and seemed very happy to be there.
Throughout the night I check on him, made sure he was all set with everything he needed, and he was. He was showered, did laundry, and was feeling great.
Today however I seen him at the soup kitchen by Harvard, and he thanked me, but said he would not be returning. When I asked why, he simply said he couldn't deal with the crowd. To the point where he would rather be on the street.
You have to understand the shelter I'm at is known as one of the best. It's CLEAN, I take 2 to 3 showers a day, use of laundry, we eat well.... as far as shelters it's everything you need and then some. Yet he would rather be on the street and be around people.
I begged him to see a psychiatrist asap regarding this phobia, but it's out of my hands.
The new element in my life of helping people is still new to me, and a learning process, but it still hurts when you simply can't help someone, and you're so close.
Guess I'm still learning as I go.
Helping doesn't hurt
Sitting on the subway earlier yesterday, and there was a man who was homeless and asking for help. I just hung back to see what would happen, and as suspected everyone just avoided looking at him.
So I made my way towards him, and being homeless myself had no money to give him, but I did have a sandwich in my bag, so i gave it to him.
Then something wonderful happened, and suddenly people started going over and giving a little cash after seeing how appreciative he was to me.
Simple moral to this story.. Don't let those around you dictate what you do. If you want to help someone, don't wait for approval, just do it! Don't be afraid to be the first one
That's all, just a quick one..... today I packed extra sandwiches.
So I made my way towards him, and being homeless myself had no money to give him, but I did have a sandwich in my bag, so i gave it to him.
Then something wonderful happened, and suddenly people started going over and giving a little cash after seeing how appreciative he was to me.
Simple moral to this story.. Don't let those around you dictate what you do. If you want to help someone, don't wait for approval, just do it! Don't be afraid to be the first one
That's all, just a quick one..... today I packed extra sandwiches.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Finding my way
It’s just about a month now since I’ve officially become homeless, and the events that have taken place, along with the changes within myself, are nothing short of remarkable.
I’ve been blessed with many new friendships, as well as professional contacts, but in the last couple of days I’ve been lucky enough to have someone enter my life that has already changed everything!
It began a few days back when I was told to meet someone in a very “cloak and dagger” fashion. It was to be kept to myself, and location was secretive, but I happily played along because; I had nothing to do anyway, and because I simply can’t turn my back on a good mystery.
Well what happened after was life changing.
I met with a very brilliant man, who asked me to briefly tell him my story. So I proceeded to do just that, seeing as at this point I’m an open book anyway, so why not share with this guy. As I was doing so, he stopped me and said “I’m going to take you on as my client”. Now I remember thinking to myself, this sounds good, if only I knew what that meant.
So he proceeded to explain to me that before my time is up at the Shelter I’m currently at, he will have a place ready for me at his shelter, which is very small and exclusive, and he explained to me, the crème de la crème’ of shelters. Not only was he taking me in there, but told me that I will remain there until he gets me housed!! Also stating that he is very good at doing that sooner than later.
I remember trying to contain myself, but still slightly trembling, seeing as regardless of how positive I’ve been throughout all this, there was always the cloud hanging over my head that when my time was done here, I didn’t have a clue what I would do next.
After this point he explained to me that we would do a brief 10 minute “intake” and then he’d be in touch over the next few weeks. So we begin the intake, and he asked me a few very odd questions, and little tests, and asks me to just play along, so I did.
As we continue I’m noticing the 10 minutes was past and we going deeper and deeper into my story, and in-between he’s still throwing odd little tests at me. This goes on for at least 45 minutes, when he finally says he needs about another hour of my time and suggests that we meet for coffee in the morning, so I happily agree and go on my way with a sense of security that I haven’t felt in a while!
So the next morning I meet him, and he starts diving right into my childhood, and going over every detail of my life.
Now when I spoke to the psychiatrists at BMC they listened, diagnosed, and medicated, and I felt good about it, it was progress. However when I was done, at least for that day, telling him my story, he then began to tell me things about myself that blew my mind, and opened my eyes to patterns of behavior, as well as explain to me WHY I did things in my life, but not just little things, he told me WHY I became a chef, and most importantly he explained to me WHY I never bounced back from 9-11. He made me realize exactly what it was that I had lost from it.
He also told me some other things about myself, that threw me a bit, and I won’t share here because it’s kind of weird, and would almost make me seem like I’m bragging, but he really turned my world upside down! LOL
However when all is said and done, this man, a brilliant psychologist with a PHD from Harvard is taking me on as my case worker, my psychiatrist, and basically life coach! I can truly say that right now I know beyond a doubt that this man is going to help me find my way again, and it will lead to great things for me, and hopefully for others.
I never imagined I’d have such opportunities, in less than a months time.
I’ve been blessed with many new friendships, as well as professional contacts, but in the last couple of days I’ve been lucky enough to have someone enter my life that has already changed everything!
It began a few days back when I was told to meet someone in a very “cloak and dagger” fashion. It was to be kept to myself, and location was secretive, but I happily played along because; I had nothing to do anyway, and because I simply can’t turn my back on a good mystery.
Well what happened after was life changing.
I met with a very brilliant man, who asked me to briefly tell him my story. So I proceeded to do just that, seeing as at this point I’m an open book anyway, so why not share with this guy. As I was doing so, he stopped me and said “I’m going to take you on as my client”. Now I remember thinking to myself, this sounds good, if only I knew what that meant.
So he proceeded to explain to me that before my time is up at the Shelter I’m currently at, he will have a place ready for me at his shelter, which is very small and exclusive, and he explained to me, the crème de la crème’ of shelters. Not only was he taking me in there, but told me that I will remain there until he gets me housed!! Also stating that he is very good at doing that sooner than later.
I remember trying to contain myself, but still slightly trembling, seeing as regardless of how positive I’ve been throughout all this, there was always the cloud hanging over my head that when my time was done here, I didn’t have a clue what I would do next.
After this point he explained to me that we would do a brief 10 minute “intake” and then he’d be in touch over the next few weeks. So we begin the intake, and he asked me a few very odd questions, and little tests, and asks me to just play along, so I did.
As we continue I’m noticing the 10 minutes was past and we going deeper and deeper into my story, and in-between he’s still throwing odd little tests at me. This goes on for at least 45 minutes, when he finally says he needs about another hour of my time and suggests that we meet for coffee in the morning, so I happily agree and go on my way with a sense of security that I haven’t felt in a while!
So the next morning I meet him, and he starts diving right into my childhood, and going over every detail of my life.
Now when I spoke to the psychiatrists at BMC they listened, diagnosed, and medicated, and I felt good about it, it was progress. However when I was done, at least for that day, telling him my story, he then began to tell me things about myself that blew my mind, and opened my eyes to patterns of behavior, as well as explain to me WHY I did things in my life, but not just little things, he told me WHY I became a chef, and most importantly he explained to me WHY I never bounced back from 9-11. He made me realize exactly what it was that I had lost from it.
He also told me some other things about myself, that threw me a bit, and I won’t share here because it’s kind of weird, and would almost make me seem like I’m bragging, but he really turned my world upside down! LOL
However when all is said and done, this man, a brilliant psychologist with a PHD from Harvard is taking me on as my case worker, my psychiatrist, and basically life coach! I can truly say that right now I know beyond a doubt that this man is going to help me find my way again, and it will lead to great things for me, and hopefully for others.
I never imagined I’d have such opportunities, in less than a months time.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Sincere Thanks
I want to thank those that contributed to Mondays BBQ! You gave a bunch of great, intelligent guys a chance to relax and forget about all the other stuff for an afternoon, and just sit, eat, and laugh like gentlemen. And most important, Pops finally got his Pork Chop! :)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Frustration is setting in
Ok, so I'm spending the morning with Pops (elderly gentleman we got the shoes for) and I find out that he don't have food stamps either! When asked why, he simply didn't know anything about them. Now this is another god damn day tomorrow I have to take someone to the DTA.
Listen, I'm not trying to rewrite policies, but when a shelter hands you the papers with rules and everything, would it be so fucking hard to just add basic info, like "Hey, you're entitled to $200 a month worth of food!", and an address to go get it. Is this not something that might be just a little important? WHAT THE FUCK???
Look, if by the outside chance you are homeless in the Boston area and reading this, go to the Department of Transitional Assistance, at 1010 Mass Ave (4 blocks east of Boston Medical Center), and tell them you want food stamps!! They will print you a card right on the spot, and in 24 to 48hrs you will have money for food and Mass Health insurance!!!!
Holy shit, this is starting to wear me down. I'm going to print out sheets of info, and when new guys come into the shelter, after they are done with the intake with the staff, I'm going to do my own fucking intake with them, as well as leave info on table at the soup kitchens right next to the coffee.
I swear I'm ready to break something I'm so fucking frustrated!!
Pardon my language today, but c'mon, someone is homeless and hungry and entitled to this and not told immediately? Ridiculous
Listen, I'm not trying to rewrite policies, but when a shelter hands you the papers with rules and everything, would it be so fucking hard to just add basic info, like "Hey, you're entitled to $200 a month worth of food!", and an address to go get it. Is this not something that might be just a little important? WHAT THE FUCK???
Look, if by the outside chance you are homeless in the Boston area and reading this, go to the Department of Transitional Assistance, at 1010 Mass Ave (4 blocks east of Boston Medical Center), and tell them you want food stamps!! They will print you a card right on the spot, and in 24 to 48hrs you will have money for food and Mass Health insurance!!!!
Holy shit, this is starting to wear me down. I'm going to print out sheets of info, and when new guys come into the shelter, after they are done with the intake with the staff, I'm going to do my own fucking intake with them, as well as leave info on table at the soup kitchens right next to the coffee.
I swear I'm ready to break something I'm so fucking frustrated!!
Pardon my language today, but c'mon, someone is homeless and hungry and entitled to this and not told immediately? Ridiculous
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Help sponsor a homeless BBQ
Ok, so at the shelter right now moral is high! Alot of the less desirable guests are gone for failing urine tests, and now a bunch have brand new food stamps, so we're thinking it's time to celebrate!
A few of us are talking about having a BBQ for memorial day.
We've got all the food and drink covered with food stamps, and we can either go to s park here which we'd have to pay for a permit, or if we can raise enough for ferry rides I'm thinking the Boston harbor islands.
We would just need ferry rides and coal, or permits and coal.
So how about it. Want to help make a few guys feel normal for the holiday? Couple are even veterans!
Just use the donate link to give whatever you can spare.
Thank you
J.D.
A few of us are talking about having a BBQ for memorial day.
We've got all the food and drink covered with food stamps, and we can either go to s park here which we'd have to pay for a permit, or if we can raise enough for ferry rides I'm thinking the Boston harbor islands.
We would just need ferry rides and coal, or permits and coal.
So how about it. Want to help make a few guys feel normal for the holiday? Couple are even veterans!
Just use the donate link to give whatever you can spare.
Thank you
J.D.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Some ME TIME
So I've been quite busy lately, seems since I've been in a holding pattern waiting on my own stuff, I've become quite the busy case manager and advocate for other homeless guys!
With some help from donations, and someof my own money, of which I have virtually none, I've been getting these guys transit passes and getting them around town and taking them personally to apply for stuff, and proud to say that as of this morning there are now FOUR other guys, that had been stuck waiting on BS case management and clinics and whatnot, that now have $200 a month in Food Stamps, now have health insurance to go to hospitals instead of clinics, all have welfare pending, 2 have SSI pending, one has a social security card, and one now has state ID!! Hell I don't even have state ID yet because I can't afford the $25 dollars! LOL
Point is, shit is getting done and it feels good! There's also people at shelter with new shoes thanks to Fran from Mitzvah Circle, and more clothes coming in for the guys this week.
This is all great, but you know what.... I'm tired, and after just a little helping out at DTA this morning for a friend, I am now taking rest of the day to just... well... actually cant really afford to do much, but at least I can do nothing by myself, in quiet! :-)
On Brighter side of personal end, I've been published in Spare Change News!! This is kind of exciting seeing as I've never been formally published in anything, so I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun seeing my work in print! Issue will be available online later this week I believe so I will post a link, but if in the Boston area, please pick up a copy when you see someone selling them, these guys work hard to make some change for themselves, so every paper sold helps.
Other than that, I really don't have too much else to say, just tired, but in a good way, and looking to relax, and hoping there's some descent food at the shelter tonight, because it's noon and I am starving already! LOL
Oh yeah, another gem I stumbled upon this weekend is a homeless artist named Ed Johnson, this guy does work with a ball point pen that will blow your mind!! I'm hoping to interview him more later this week, but here's a sample, and to see the real thing you can catch him, most days, on Boylston St across from the park.
Guess that's it......... not my finiest writing, I know, but I'm a little burnt out. Anyway, have a great week folks, and remember any help you can give via donation is greatly apreciated. Kind of hard spending the little cash I have for myself on others, but the bigger picture is worth it.
With some help from donations, and someof my own money, of which I have virtually none, I've been getting these guys transit passes and getting them around town and taking them personally to apply for stuff, and proud to say that as of this morning there are now FOUR other guys, that had been stuck waiting on BS case management and clinics and whatnot, that now have $200 a month in Food Stamps, now have health insurance to go to hospitals instead of clinics, all have welfare pending, 2 have SSI pending, one has a social security card, and one now has state ID!! Hell I don't even have state ID yet because I can't afford the $25 dollars! LOL
Point is, shit is getting done and it feels good! There's also people at shelter with new shoes thanks to Fran from Mitzvah Circle, and more clothes coming in for the guys this week.
This is all great, but you know what.... I'm tired, and after just a little helping out at DTA this morning for a friend, I am now taking rest of the day to just... well... actually cant really afford to do much, but at least I can do nothing by myself, in quiet! :-)
On Brighter side of personal end, I've been published in Spare Change News!! This is kind of exciting seeing as I've never been formally published in anything, so I'd be lying if I said it wasn't fun seeing my work in print! Issue will be available online later this week I believe so I will post a link, but if in the Boston area, please pick up a copy when you see someone selling them, these guys work hard to make some change for themselves, so every paper sold helps.
Other than that, I really don't have too much else to say, just tired, but in a good way, and looking to relax, and hoping there's some descent food at the shelter tonight, because it's noon and I am starving already! LOL
Oh yeah, another gem I stumbled upon this weekend is a homeless artist named Ed Johnson, this guy does work with a ball point pen that will blow your mind!! I'm hoping to interview him more later this week, but here's a sample, and to see the real thing you can catch him, most days, on Boylston St across from the park.
Guess that's it......... not my finiest writing, I know, but I'm a little burnt out. Anyway, have a great week folks, and remember any help you can give via donation is greatly apreciated. Kind of hard spending the little cash I have for myself on others, but the bigger picture is worth it.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
My greatest lesson in relativity.
Going through something like this in life changes you, no question, but sometimes the levels at which it hits home still surprise me.
Last night I got a great lesson in relativity. I had told you about the old man at my shelter that was in need of shoes, well I’ve been learning a lot from this man in regards to what is important, and frankly he doesn’t even know he’s teaching me this lesson.
Yesterday two people leading separate, but joined, lives were experiencing a less than great day.
For him, the day had taken a bad turn when he finally received a check that he had been waiting on for quite some time, and when he had taken it to the bank to cash it, the bank had taken what was owed to them, and essentially left him penniless again.
Not that you would ever know it, because this man, while quiet for the most part, always has a smile on his face, laughs at all my silliness, and generally always keeps a great sense of peace and happiness, regardless of his situation in life.
For me, while I’ve been truly finding an inner peace, and greater sense of self awareness since I’ve begun this journey up from the bottom, I learned that I’m certainly not unbreakable, and it’s the smaller things that can do it.
One of things I purchased for myself was a $4 pillow from the dollar store, because the pillows they give at the shelter (all shelters) are these vinyl pillows about a half inch thick, and I’m a 3 to 4 pillow man. So like many things in my life, I learned I don’t need 4 pillows, I just need one.
However when I came back to the shelter yesterday, my pillow was gone. I went to the office and asked if they had taken my pillow and sure enough, they stripped me of my pillow since it was not regulation.
Now any of the other attendants would, and have, simply ignored it when checking the bed area during the day, but not this guy, he is known as “that guy” who will go by the book, even to the disagreement of his own superiors. So now my pillow was gone.
Yes, just a pillow, and god knows it’s probably the most trivial of events that have taken place in my life, especially as of late, but at that moment, being stripped of that $4 pillow, became the sum total of everything that had kept my balance. I tried to just let it go, but I couldn’t, I sat and obsessed on it, angry and rage building by the second, to the point I literally even broke out in hives. It had become my one connection to the civilized world. The one thing that let me feel even the slightest sense that things were ok, and now it was gone.
So here I am stewing in the loss of my pillow, and two beds over is “Pops”(as I call him), also silently stewing in his personal setbacks for the day, when suddenly I get word that a package had come for me! Now I knew what it was, and oddly enough it was not expected for at least another day or two, yet somehow when needed the most, it arrived yesterday.
It was the shoes that Mitzvah Circle had sent to me to give to Pops because his shoes had gotten a hole in them several days earlier, and I simply could not stand to see this delightful old man walking in the rain with holes in his shoes. Foot care is something that becomes a main point in life when in this situation.
So I get the box, and there’s three pairs of shoes, and one of them just really look perfect for him, and I’m hoping those are the ones that fit. So I go over to his bed, and with box in hand, and tell him to check them out and see what fits, and sure enough the ones he went right for, were a perfect fit!!
Now at that point both of ours day had immediately gotten better, but what he did next touched me in a way I never imagined.
I found out from caseworker a few days earlier that this man had written a published book. So when I gave him the shoes, he gave me a great big hug, not a man shoulder bump, but a true heartfelt hug, and then he told to wait because he had something for me. So he takes a moment digging through his bag, and hands me a copy of his book, with the Roman numeral IV handwritten on it. He then tells me that’s it signed in the back pages already, and it’s reserved for someone who shows him kindness.
Now I’m in a jailhouse type surrounding, and I big burly, heavily tattooed guy, but at that moment I had to fight real hard from tearing up.
I’ve received many great gifts in life, from many people, that had great meaning to me, but I now have my absolute prized possession in life. There is nothing that could mean more to me, then that book does.
Moments like that, you can’t help but step back and put it all in perspective. Moments later it was the sanctioned smoke break and he told me about his bad day, and how the shoes totally brought the day back for him, and I shared my pillow story and how that book turned my day around.
I don’t have all the things I want in life right now, but in many ways, I have everything I need, and in other ways I’m richer than I’ve ever been.
One day I’ll have him tell about books number 1 – 3, and here’s hoping he gets to give out many more, because I personally can’t think of anyone more deserving of kindness.
Last night I got a great lesson in relativity. I had told you about the old man at my shelter that was in need of shoes, well I’ve been learning a lot from this man in regards to what is important, and frankly he doesn’t even know he’s teaching me this lesson.
Yesterday two people leading separate, but joined, lives were experiencing a less than great day.
For him, the day had taken a bad turn when he finally received a check that he had been waiting on for quite some time, and when he had taken it to the bank to cash it, the bank had taken what was owed to them, and essentially left him penniless again.
Not that you would ever know it, because this man, while quiet for the most part, always has a smile on his face, laughs at all my silliness, and generally always keeps a great sense of peace and happiness, regardless of his situation in life.
For me, while I’ve been truly finding an inner peace, and greater sense of self awareness since I’ve begun this journey up from the bottom, I learned that I’m certainly not unbreakable, and it’s the smaller things that can do it.
One of things I purchased for myself was a $4 pillow from the dollar store, because the pillows they give at the shelter (all shelters) are these vinyl pillows about a half inch thick, and I’m a 3 to 4 pillow man. So like many things in my life, I learned I don’t need 4 pillows, I just need one.
However when I came back to the shelter yesterday, my pillow was gone. I went to the office and asked if they had taken my pillow and sure enough, they stripped me of my pillow since it was not regulation.
Now any of the other attendants would, and have, simply ignored it when checking the bed area during the day, but not this guy, he is known as “that guy” who will go by the book, even to the disagreement of his own superiors. So now my pillow was gone.
Yes, just a pillow, and god knows it’s probably the most trivial of events that have taken place in my life, especially as of late, but at that moment, being stripped of that $4 pillow, became the sum total of everything that had kept my balance. I tried to just let it go, but I couldn’t, I sat and obsessed on it, angry and rage building by the second, to the point I literally even broke out in hives. It had become my one connection to the civilized world. The one thing that let me feel even the slightest sense that things were ok, and now it was gone.
So here I am stewing in the loss of my pillow, and two beds over is “Pops”(as I call him), also silently stewing in his personal setbacks for the day, when suddenly I get word that a package had come for me! Now I knew what it was, and oddly enough it was not expected for at least another day or two, yet somehow when needed the most, it arrived yesterday.
It was the shoes that Mitzvah Circle had sent to me to give to Pops because his shoes had gotten a hole in them several days earlier, and I simply could not stand to see this delightful old man walking in the rain with holes in his shoes. Foot care is something that becomes a main point in life when in this situation.
So I get the box, and there’s three pairs of shoes, and one of them just really look perfect for him, and I’m hoping those are the ones that fit. So I go over to his bed, and with box in hand, and tell him to check them out and see what fits, and sure enough the ones he went right for, were a perfect fit!!
Now at that point both of ours day had immediately gotten better, but what he did next touched me in a way I never imagined.
I found out from caseworker a few days earlier that this man had written a published book. So when I gave him the shoes, he gave me a great big hug, not a man shoulder bump, but a true heartfelt hug, and then he told to wait because he had something for me. So he takes a moment digging through his bag, and hands me a copy of his book, with the Roman numeral IV handwritten on it. He then tells me that’s it signed in the back pages already, and it’s reserved for someone who shows him kindness.
Now I’m in a jailhouse type surrounding, and I big burly, heavily tattooed guy, but at that moment I had to fight real hard from tearing up.
I’ve received many great gifts in life, from many people, that had great meaning to me, but I now have my absolute prized possession in life. There is nothing that could mean more to me, then that book does.
Moments like that, you can’t help but step back and put it all in perspective. Moments later it was the sanctioned smoke break and he told me about his bad day, and how the shoes totally brought the day back for him, and I shared my pillow story and how that book turned my day around.
I don’t have all the things I want in life right now, but in many ways, I have everything I need, and in other ways I’m richer than I’ve ever been.
One day I’ll have him tell about books number 1 – 3, and here’s hoping he gets to give out many more, because I personally can’t think of anyone more deserving of kindness.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Shelter rules from D Block
So it's apparent I need to explain how a "dry" shelter works before you people get me killed lol
Please understand when an organization offers to send me a shipment of shoes because I just had some sent for one old man..... I am both flatteterd and grateful for your kindness, but if I start visibly playing santa clause here you're putting a target on me.
Just like people asking me to take pictures to go with the story..... Seriously, I don't know how it is when you all go to events, soup kitchens, church shelters, or just on the street, but here it's different.
This is a clean, organized, and great place to be as far as shelters go, because people are clean and SOBER. In fact we all take urine tests upon entry and subject to random testing.
Now with this means theres mostly people out of rehab trying to put thier life together, and people coming out of jail trying to put their life together. But one thing they are not.... Is looking for any kind of attention lol
Everyone is great, and fun, because frankly I blend well with these types, but the last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself, piss off the wrong people, or even get caught helping the wrong person.
We keep it casual and light hearted and nobody gets hurt! Lol
Things are good till they're not good, then a jailhouse mentality kicks in, sides are taken, and word is on the street.
I will not be rocking the boat.
Even the shoes for "pops", I have Mitzvah Circle sending the shoes to the case worker here, NOT ME. He knows the deal, and knows what to do with them, but thats it.
If I help someone it's between me and them and thats it.
These people don't know about my blog, or anything else I do, and that is exactly how it will stay.
So please, no offers of large shipments, no busses of happy people in matching T shirts with cupcakes, no smiles and hugs lol
I'm simply helping where I know I can without anyone else here having to know anyone elses business.
I'm already nervous that Fran sent 3 pairs of shoes instead of the one pair lol
I just told the old man that my ex's brother had left some shoes that should fit him and I was having them sent over. Every part of that is a lie lol
But he dont feel like charity, I dont look like a do-gooder, and things stay simple and private. The only thing that matters is that he's getting shoes, and the other guy is getting gov't assistance. No need for fanfare.
So please, this is not a movement! Just one schmuck trying to make good on my past sins ....... QUIETLY :)
Now that being said, we got the other guy applied for stuff and got his train pass, but could still use donations for one other guy to get a subway pass for Saturday....... That would be me! He's now mobile but come Saturday i'll be stuck with no transportation, so a little help would be appreciated :)
And obviously i'll keep doing what I can for people, just need to do it on the down low.
So dont be afraid to click that donate button, it helps others and myself.
Please understand when an organization offers to send me a shipment of shoes because I just had some sent for one old man..... I am both flatteterd and grateful for your kindness, but if I start visibly playing santa clause here you're putting a target on me.
Just like people asking me to take pictures to go with the story..... Seriously, I don't know how it is when you all go to events, soup kitchens, church shelters, or just on the street, but here it's different.
This is a clean, organized, and great place to be as far as shelters go, because people are clean and SOBER. In fact we all take urine tests upon entry and subject to random testing.
Now with this means theres mostly people out of rehab trying to put thier life together, and people coming out of jail trying to put their life together. But one thing they are not.... Is looking for any kind of attention lol
Everyone is great, and fun, because frankly I blend well with these types, but the last thing you want to do is draw attention to yourself, piss off the wrong people, or even get caught helping the wrong person.
We keep it casual and light hearted and nobody gets hurt! Lol
Things are good till they're not good, then a jailhouse mentality kicks in, sides are taken, and word is on the street.
I will not be rocking the boat.
Even the shoes for "pops", I have Mitzvah Circle sending the shoes to the case worker here, NOT ME. He knows the deal, and knows what to do with them, but thats it.
If I help someone it's between me and them and thats it.
These people don't know about my blog, or anything else I do, and that is exactly how it will stay.
So please, no offers of large shipments, no busses of happy people in matching T shirts with cupcakes, no smiles and hugs lol
I'm simply helping where I know I can without anyone else here having to know anyone elses business.
I'm already nervous that Fran sent 3 pairs of shoes instead of the one pair lol
I just told the old man that my ex's brother had left some shoes that should fit him and I was having them sent over. Every part of that is a lie lol
But he dont feel like charity, I dont look like a do-gooder, and things stay simple and private. The only thing that matters is that he's getting shoes, and the other guy is getting gov't assistance. No need for fanfare.
So please, this is not a movement! Just one schmuck trying to make good on my past sins ....... QUIETLY :)
Now that being said, we got the other guy applied for stuff and got his train pass, but could still use donations for one other guy to get a subway pass for Saturday....... That would be me! He's now mobile but come Saturday i'll be stuck with no transportation, so a little help would be appreciated :)
And obviously i'll keep doing what I can for people, just need to do it on the down low.
So dont be afraid to click that donate button, it helps others and myself.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
A little help please, to help others
So as you know already I've been able to speed myself through some of the red tape and now I'm in a bit of a waiting process.
As you also know I've been able to pass some of this knowledge on for someone else to help themselves faster, and quite frankly it felt really good.
However yesterday something happened that was just fantastic.
If you read my article "The untold stories", I spoke of a man who has a bad heart, who has been on the street for about 20 years, and in some rough shelters for the last 10.
Well when I last seen him and told him about the place I was heading to, he asked me how to get into it.
I gave him the number and made him promise that he would call every morning at exactly 8:59. Not 9:01, but 8:59, every day.
Well yesterday I came "home" to the shelter, and there he is! He yelled out to me, gave me a great big hug, and I gotta tell ya, this warmed my heart!
He it's now, at least got the next 90 days in the cleanest, quietest place he's been in 20 years! He had some pizza, a shower, and hit the bed and slept like a baby till this morning!
Now here's what I need. Since I have nothing but time during the day to wait on my stuff, I want to take him personally to apply for some stuff, so he can get some basic help right away, and hopefully get him on his way to long term better living.
I just need a few bucks to get him around town the next few days on the busses and subway.
I never thought I'd be a do-gooder, but frankly I can help, I have the time to help, and theres people right here that I can get immediate results for.
All I need is a train pass for him for the week. If I get a little extra, than I would like to grab a $4 pair of shoes from the thrift store for another ADORABLE old man--seriously this guy gotta be 130 lol--because he got a hole in his shoes on the metal steps leading to the shelter. Especially in this rain you need solid shoes.
If I get those, than frankly something with a hood for me would be nice in this rainy season, but that being said I got a baseball cap so it's not that bad.
Seriously though, I'm in a position to give real help, right now, from the inside. So I'm sking for your help. If 15ppl send ONE dollar each, I can get this guy around town for the week and get him food stamps, welfare, and apply for anything else we can.
Four more dollars and a delightful old man gets shoes. This ain't much, and at this point I've come to realise that i personally have everything I need. So if I can help others, my time here is not wasted.
So please click the donation link and give any little bit, and it will go where I know the results will most needed for those who need it most.
Thank you in advance.
JD
As you also know I've been able to pass some of this knowledge on for someone else to help themselves faster, and quite frankly it felt really good.
However yesterday something happened that was just fantastic.
If you read my article "The untold stories", I spoke of a man who has a bad heart, who has been on the street for about 20 years, and in some rough shelters for the last 10.
Well when I last seen him and told him about the place I was heading to, he asked me how to get into it.
I gave him the number and made him promise that he would call every morning at exactly 8:59. Not 9:01, but 8:59, every day.
Well yesterday I came "home" to the shelter, and there he is! He yelled out to me, gave me a great big hug, and I gotta tell ya, this warmed my heart!
He it's now, at least got the next 90 days in the cleanest, quietest place he's been in 20 years! He had some pizza, a shower, and hit the bed and slept like a baby till this morning!
Now here's what I need. Since I have nothing but time during the day to wait on my stuff, I want to take him personally to apply for some stuff, so he can get some basic help right away, and hopefully get him on his way to long term better living.
I just need a few bucks to get him around town the next few days on the busses and subway.
I never thought I'd be a do-gooder, but frankly I can help, I have the time to help, and theres people right here that I can get immediate results for.
All I need is a train pass for him for the week. If I get a little extra, than I would like to grab a $4 pair of shoes from the thrift store for another ADORABLE old man--seriously this guy gotta be 130 lol--because he got a hole in his shoes on the metal steps leading to the shelter. Especially in this rain you need solid shoes.
If I get those, than frankly something with a hood for me would be nice in this rainy season, but that being said I got a baseball cap so it's not that bad.
Seriously though, I'm in a position to give real help, right now, from the inside. So I'm sking for your help. If 15ppl send ONE dollar each, I can get this guy around town for the week and get him food stamps, welfare, and apply for anything else we can.
Four more dollars and a delightful old man gets shoes. This ain't much, and at this point I've come to realise that i personally have everything I need. So if I can help others, my time here is not wasted.
So please click the donation link and give any little bit, and it will go where I know the results will most needed for those who need it most.
Thank you in advance.
JD
Monday, May 16, 2011
Case management, from the inside out
So what does my future hold? Who knows, but maybe I have a future as a case worker, seeing as I started my first one today :)
A buddy of mine in the shelter has apparently been caught up in an endless waiting game just trying to get Mass Health because he's been going to a free clinic about his spine injuries.
So I got him started in direction to get his mass health & food stamps within the week, and to apply for SSI and deal with the hospital instead of clinic.
Again another case of someone in the system waiting months to do what I did in a week because they're just following the process that "they" tell you to. When the fact is all of these things are available NOW if you apply yourself instead of waiting on case management procedure.
When his food stamps kick in, I got a meal coming, on him :)
A buddy of mine in the shelter has apparently been caught up in an endless waiting game just trying to get Mass Health because he's been going to a free clinic about his spine injuries.
So I got him started in direction to get his mass health & food stamps within the week, and to apply for SSI and deal with the hospital instead of clinic.
Again another case of someone in the system waiting months to do what I did in a week because they're just following the process that "they" tell you to. When the fact is all of these things are available NOW if you apply yourself instead of waiting on case management procedure.
When his food stamps kick in, I got a meal coming, on him :)
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Kindness and strength from others
When you're in this type of situation in life, it humbles you. You don't "want" to rely on the help of others, but fact is you'll be lost without.
I haven't had to ask anyone on the street for anything, but I do still ask for donations on this site, and that is the reason that right now I can get to my appointments this coming week, and it's why theres a lock on my locker at the shelter keeping what little belongings I have safe.
It's thanks to this kindness that I have a pillow to rest my head on at night.
It's thanks to the wonderful Mitzvah Circle organization that I have glasses to see when my insurance would only cover exam!
This is hard enough, now imagine doing just about blind.
Point is I just want to make sure people realise that when you read about the progress I'm making, and the opportunities I'm utilizing, I'm truly making it through with the help of my readers, and for that I'm eternally grateful, and you can rest assured that this has changed my life, and when I'm back on my feet, I will do all I can to pay it forward, and help give others the same push and opportunities.
Thank you all, you not only help me make through day to day, but you've all given me a life changing perspective.
Peace
For now.... Still John Doe
I haven't had to ask anyone on the street for anything, but I do still ask for donations on this site, and that is the reason that right now I can get to my appointments this coming week, and it's why theres a lock on my locker at the shelter keeping what little belongings I have safe.
It's thanks to this kindness that I have a pillow to rest my head on at night.
It's thanks to the wonderful Mitzvah Circle organization that I have glasses to see when my insurance would only cover exam!
This is hard enough, now imagine doing just about blind.
Point is I just want to make sure people realise that when you read about the progress I'm making, and the opportunities I'm utilizing, I'm truly making it through with the help of my readers, and for that I'm eternally grateful, and you can rest assured that this has changed my life, and when I'm back on my feet, I will do all I can to pay it forward, and help give others the same push and opportunities.
Thank you all, you not only help me make through day to day, but you've all given me a life changing perspective.
Peace
For now.... Still John Doe
Friday, May 13, 2011
Ain't I homeless enough for ya
I can't shake a statement that was causally made yesterday to me via Twitter.
I posted a picture of this park that is down the block from the shelter I'm staying in, with a comment that simply stated something along the lines of it being relaxing.
Now the response I got from someone rattled me, although I know it was well intended, so please don't think I'm upset at this person, but it seemed.... well..... I don't know what it seemed lol
This is the response I got:
"parks are relaxing just don't get trespassed for having a beer or talking to woman you can lose the privilege easy"
Ok, again, I know this person meant well, but I can't help but feel this stereotyping is what makes homelessness an issue that don't get enough attention.
First off..... Why in the world would you expect I'm having a beer? In the park....during the day...
Seriously? Listen I enjoy a good beer as much as the next guy, especially a nice ale, but I haven't "swilled" beer out of a bag in a park since I'm a teenager.
Does homelessness automatically make me have bad taste?
Don't get caught speaking to women? Wow, this one blows my mind. I'll let you in on a secret, I'm a charming man, and I've always known how to communicate with women in a non offensive manner.
I had coffee with my ex yesterday morning, who is a BEAUTIFUL woman. Do you think people were staring wondering what she was doing in starbucks with that homeless man? If anything we always got the occasional looks because I'm a"little" older than her, and she really should be out of my league on my best day, but other than that, no freaked out looks.....
And I'll tell you why....
Brace yourself, this may come as a shock...
I look and act, like anyone else, or probably better!
I'm well dressed, I shower daily, I'm freshly shaved, I'm polite, and I know how to act in public!
Sorry to break it to you, but I'm not in the park drunk and cat calling to any woman passing by!
I'm a normal man, sitting on a bench for moment, having a smoke, and resting my feet before I go to my next apointment.
Homeless means exactly that, I don't have a home, and that is the ONLY thing you should assume you know about me.
I posted a picture of this park that is down the block from the shelter I'm staying in, with a comment that simply stated something along the lines of it being relaxing.
Now the response I got from someone rattled me, although I know it was well intended, so please don't think I'm upset at this person, but it seemed.... well..... I don't know what it seemed lol
This is the response I got:
"parks are relaxing just don't get trespassed for having a beer or talking to woman you can lose the privilege easy"
Ok, again, I know this person meant well, but I can't help but feel this stereotyping is what makes homelessness an issue that don't get enough attention.
First off..... Why in the world would you expect I'm having a beer? In the park....during the day...
Seriously? Listen I enjoy a good beer as much as the next guy, especially a nice ale, but I haven't "swilled" beer out of a bag in a park since I'm a teenager.
Does homelessness automatically make me have bad taste?
Don't get caught speaking to women? Wow, this one blows my mind. I'll let you in on a secret, I'm a charming man, and I've always known how to communicate with women in a non offensive manner.
I had coffee with my ex yesterday morning, who is a BEAUTIFUL woman. Do you think people were staring wondering what she was doing in starbucks with that homeless man? If anything we always got the occasional looks because I'm a"little" older than her, and she really should be out of my league on my best day, but other than that, no freaked out looks.....
And I'll tell you why....
Brace yourself, this may come as a shock...
I look and act, like anyone else, or probably better!
I'm well dressed, I shower daily, I'm freshly shaved, I'm polite, and I know how to act in public!
Sorry to break it to you, but I'm not in the park drunk and cat calling to any woman passing by!
I'm a normal man, sitting on a bench for moment, having a smoke, and resting my feet before I go to my next apointment.
Homeless means exactly that, I don't have a home, and that is the ONLY thing you should assume you know about me.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
A short strange trip
As I sit on an empty bus waiting to depart to a new shelter, I can't help but quietly reflect at just how much my life has changed in one weeks time.
I'm not talking about the "falling down" to homelessness, I'm talking about the strength it's given me to start finding myself again.
The strength to seek the real medical help I've needed for so long, as well as the discipline that I've desperately needed back in my life.
I'll write more tomorrow, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the ride, and take in the view. In other words, just going to keep moving forward :)
I'm not talking about the "falling down" to homelessness, I'm talking about the strength it's given me to start finding myself again.
The strength to seek the real medical help I've needed for so long, as well as the discipline that I've desperately needed back in my life.
I'll write more tomorrow, but for now I'm just going to enjoy the ride, and take in the view. In other words, just going to keep moving forward :)
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