I will be living on the streets of Decatur, homeless for the next 30 days, taking an in-depth look at homelessness in this area, and revisiting places nearly a decade after having done this before.
When I decided to come to this community, I wanted to see what was here in Decatur and what was missing; how to grow in this place. It's a lot of work getting to know a place, however small and cozy. There are new streets to learn and people to meet.
I have decided to up the ante. While it is difficult to be homeless, there is actual work to be done. When we look at how the average day is spent when you are on the street, the work is primarily logistical in the beginning. Sleeping is one thing, but where do you go when the sun is up and you can no longer hide in corners?
For many, it is part of a routine. Once you get used to it, there is a pattern to packing up, a place to hide what you cannot carry with you, an awareness of where you can go and when.
Follow the leader...
There are things that are good to know and it is quite easy to find those who know those things; good or bad. I am going to try to avoid generalizations in this blog and about these things, but I have found that there is always that person who knows and whom many seek the advice of. Where can I get a good meal? Where can I get a bed for the night?
These are things that I will go deeper on, but I really wanted to address the thing that many have asked when I said this. How will you work? How will you do all of these things when you are out on the street?
This is the work. Projects will be done. Compost will be collected. Classes will be taught. I just won't be going home at night.
How you can help...
If you would like to support what we are doing, please make a donation here. Every bit, large or small, helps!
I have decided to up the ante. While it is difficult to be homeless, there is actual work to be done. When we look at how the average day is spent when you are on the street, the work is primarily logistical in the beginning. Sleeping is one thing, but where do you go when the sun is up and you can no longer hide in corners?
For many, it is part of a routine. Once you get used to it, there is a pattern to packing up, a place to hide what you cannot carry with you, an awareness of where you can go and when.
Follow the leader...
There are things that are good to know and it is quite easy to find those who know those things; good or bad. I am going to try to avoid generalizations in this blog and about these things, but I have found that there is always that person who knows and whom many seek the advice of. Where can I get a good meal? Where can I get a bed for the night?
These are things that I will go deeper on, but I really wanted to address the thing that many have asked when I said this. How will you work? How will you do all of these things when you are out on the street?
This is the work. Projects will be done. Compost will be collected. Classes will be taught. I just won't be going home at night.
How you can help...
If you would like to support what we are doing, please make a donation here. Every bit, large or small, helps!
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