6-30-19

 

The computer enthusiast is in his early thirties but has lived on the streets for more than seven years. His hair is bright blond and he has a short stature. He brightens up when talking about computers or his new adventures. 

 

Where are you from? 

I’m from around here. I lived in Fremont when I was young, then moved around to a couple other states. But then my mom wanted to come back to Fremont. 

 

Do you have any family around here? 

My mom and brother live around here. My mom’s bipolar and I got it too. So growing up she used to abuse me when she had episodes and I had to go live with foster families. When I reached the legal age to live without one, I ran away and became homeless. My mom remarried and got a section 8 for rent but she was behind on payments so she and my stepdad got kicked out of the house. My brother also lives on the streets, but I mainly go around by myself. 

 

I got a daughter who lives around here too. I had her when I was really young. But she and her mom don’t really see me. I really miss her and I wish I could go see her. 

 

Do you have any regrets? 

Yeah, I get out of control when I have episodes. People always think I’m Fremont’s troublemaker but I’m reasonable when I’m calm. And I’m afraid of taking medication. Last time I did I had a big reaction, like an allergic reaction or something. So I don’t take medication. 

 

The police always pick on me, too. One time at the hub some guy tried to give me wine but I wouldn’t take it. The police arrested me because wine has to be in a bag outside a store or something but I didn’t even touch the bottle. They just always think I cause trouble. It’s just that growing up no one ever taught me between right and wrong, or how to be independent. 

 

Have you stayed at a shelter before?

I did for a couple months but they have a limit for how long you can stay. At some times my friends let me borrow their car so I can stay in it. I really want to learn how to drive, but I don’t have anything. Sometimes my friends let me practice on their cars but I haven’t had the chance to take the actual test. So I don’t have a driver’s license and I don’t have an ID either. 

 

Do you have any mode of transportation?

I got a bike once. Actually, many bikes but they kept on getting stolen. I had a couple phones but they also kept getting stolen. 

 

Have you worked any jobs before?

I had some jobs here and there but it was hard to have a steady one. A lot of times it got too tiring to work all day and slept on the streets at night. But I’m still trying to find a job. It just depends. 

 

Have you received help from any organizations?

Occasionally I go to the warming center but it’s only open during winter. They offer free dinner an indoor place to stay. I also sometimes go to Sunday Breakfasts near city hall. During the day I just wander around Fremont hub and then at night if I have some money I’ll get a meal at Denny’s because they’re open 24 hours and I can stay there.

 

Do you have any hobbies? 

I love computers. I used to have one but it got stolen, like my bike and my phone. But if I were to get a job I would want to work with computers. I never finished high school but I would like to get a GED if I have the chance.