5-26-19

 

Have you worked any jobs before? 

I worked at an operation center in a big bank once, then at a restaurant. I was a cook because I like cooking. If I were to get a job, I would want to work at a restaurant again, or some service job like Marshall's or Ross or Chipotle. But it’s hard when you don’t get any sleep because I have to worry about getting robbed or harassed on the streets. It makes you so tired all the time. 

 

Do you have any disabilities that make it hard to find jobs?

Yeah, I was in a big car accident before. I had to get metal rods in my shoulders and knees to stabilize my bones. I spent a while at the hospital and afterwards, I couldn’t work very long. I want to get a job but I can’t do physical work like construction. 

 

Do you receive any money from the government? 

I get food stamps and a small amount of social security each month. I’m trying to save up because I really want to find a place to stay. 

 

Where do you spend most of your time? 

I like to hang around the library. I have an ID but I don’t have a driver’s license, so I can’t get a car or anything. 

 

How do you cope with the stress of living on the streets? 

I got to admit that I like to drink beer. It’s how I handle living on the streets. 

 

Do you have family from around here? 

My mother and brother actually live in the bay area, but we got some family issues. I don’t visit or call them. My father is in the Central Valley and I visit him once in a while. 

 

Do you have any hobbies? 

Yeah, I’m good at training dogs. I used to have a pitbull for 4 or 5 years, but when I got hospitalized because of the car accident I had to give him away. I gave him to my friend, but my dog was really great. Even when he was on BART, he would never bark and was so obedient. There aren’t any bad dogs, only owners who don't train properly. Every dog has potential. My dream job would be a dog trainer.