6-23-19

 

The medical assistant is a very polite individual and talks slowly yet clearly. He keeps a clean appearance most of the time, but his depression is taking a toll on him, making his condition worse. He has a skinny, average build and keeps quiet to himself. 

 

Have you worked any jobs before? 

I used to be a nurse assistant, but then I got divorced and I lost my house. I got depression and couldn’t work anymore.  A volunteer helped me find a job at a bakery once, but it didn’t last long.

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Do you have any family around here? 

I have a daughter, but I’m divorced so I don’t get to see her much. After the divorce I got depression. I lost my house, I lost my wife, and I lost my daughter. I really miss my daughter but I’m so ashamed to go visit her. I tried medication but I stopped for a while. I should really get medication again. 

 

My parents also live close by. I want to visit them but I need to wait until I’m in better condition. It’s been about four years since I’ve last seen them because I keep holding it off. But I really want to see them. I’m just so ashamed. 

 

Have you had any help from organizations?

I tried contacting Abode and Second Chance in Newark. It’s really hard to get a spot there but I really want to get a place to live. I get free breakfasts on Sundays near city hall. I realize that I cannot stay like this forever. I want to get better. Anything would helpㅡjobs or volunteering. I just want to get back on my feet and work on anything. 

 

Do you receive any money from the government? 

Yeah, I only get food stamps. 

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What’s the worst part of living on the streets? 

Other homeless pick on me, especially when I just became homeless. They steal my belongings all the time and I can’t fight back because I’m not very tall or strong. I guess they’re just trying to survive too but it’s harsh.