Yesterday, I was walking in downtown Portland to run some errands when I met a guy named Joe. Joe has been homeless for the past couple of years, although when I saw him sitting on the bench near Pioneer Square, I assumed he was waiting for the bus to take him to the train station because he carries his stuff with him all neatly packed in suitcases. He told me proudly what he has in each bag--some clothing and his portable DVD player in his big red suitcase, some other electronics in his small duffle, and toiletries and other necessities in his other dufffle. After panhandling--that's what Joe calls his work--in the morning until he gets enough food money for the day, he goes to the library where he pulls out his DVD player and watches movies all afternoon. Then, to the shelter for a little dinner and to sleep. Joe told me the most important part of his day is when he takes a shower every morning. He stressed that he thinks the fact that he doesn't smell strongly makes it easier for people to give him money. But, he lamented, the razors the shelters have make getting a good shave tough.
I don't know where I'm going with this. But, I wanted to post his story here because I want to remember Joe.
Posted by chri1010 at August 12, 2004 11:55 AM