6-2-19

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The construction worker is very tall but of average weight. He talks politely and is very willing to hear advice and opinions. He is a very genuine person and always shows gratitude and is appreciative of company.

 

How long have you been on the streets?

Oh, almost 10 years by now. 

 

Have you worked any jobs before? 

Yeah, I'm a construction worker. At a point where I really needed the money I worked construction in the morning, then sorted mail until 7 am and went back to construction again. I’m always saving up for my kid. But my boss kept refusing to pay me after I finished his jobs or he falsely promised me that he had a place for me to sleep. I had to keep working for him because I needed the money really badly. I still do construction work now, but it’s hard because I’m getting older. I’m in my early 50’s now. 

 

Do you have any family around here? 

No, but I have a son. He lives in the Midwest with a foster family and he’s a teen. I really miss him. I talk to him on the phone and he always tells me what he’s doing, what job he has, and how he is. He’s on the football team right now and I’m so proud of him. But I feel so guilty for missing a life with him. I always find a way to send him some money every few weeks. 

 

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

I drink, and I’m not proud of it, but I never touch drugs. It’s hard to keep sane when you’re out on the streets, so sometimes I have a drink. Because the stress of sleeping without worrying all the time or getting kicked out is really bad. 

 

Recently my mom passed away, but she lives in New York. When I first got the news about my mom, I was really devastated but had no one to talk to. I flew there to attend her funeral.

 

Have you done anything you regret?

I grew up without learning simple life skills or how to save up. I had no guidance and made some bad decisions in my life. I went to jail for something I shouldn’t really have done and I don’t know why I did it at the moment. I really regret it.