Funny things I've seen in during my time while homeless

I sometimes go through some of the 'quick logs' I took at different times with my first handheld PDA, and get a chuckle at some of the stuff I noted in my surroundings. Things I'd forget totally if I hadn't jotted them down.

There's a ton of images that come to mind, most of them will sound really sick to people not having been involved with the homeless community directly. But if you have, you know the feeling...sometimes.

Living in a family dorm that had single women living in one of the rooms brings to mind of some of them walking to the shared bathroom they had. Some were mothers, some were single girls just coming into adult. Bathrobes at times, oversized shirts as nightgowns, and the occasional cheap lingerie between the two. No matter what, sometimes a woman's gotta be a girl when given the chance.

There was also this one guy in particular who came to eat in a daily meal line at night, probably after work. Young guy in his early 20s, goth type, leather pants with buckles up each leg and tons of zippers for whatever reason being in style. Chains from here to there all around and in any direction.

Then there were the sad images as well. Of one person I was involved with in a peer support group who was living outside and 'sleeping hard'. He'd come and go and show up about twice a month for food or meetings. His disorder was so deep in it not being treated, that he hadn't removed his shoes in a month.

He was to the point of not being able to walk, at which point I told him to lay back on the bench of the picnic table he was sitting at. I removed his shoes, then worked at removing the socks that were encrusted with blood and dead skin. Being colorblind I don't know if they were green, but it was severe enough I told him to get in to see the doctor immediately.

I never saw him again, nor heard word of him from peers or people I still have contact with. Within two weeks my family and I would be placed in our home and break this cycle of homelessness.

Those images still sometimes make me chuckle...as well as pray for those still experiencing homelessness. Whether as a single or as a homeless family, they are always in my prayers at night.