Drifting Along

There seems to be 3 basic categories of homeless. There are those that are addicted, those that are mentally ill and those that just enjoy the lifestyle of a drifter. I guess the latter group would be akin to the hobos of the past. Grace Place sees representatives from all three groups each day. The addicted and mentally ill are more needy, of course, and require more of my time and energy. They are generally pleasant, though, and I have only a few trouble makers. The drifters are just happy to be in out of the rain or sun, thankful to receive coffee and for the most part very interesting people to talk to.

Two such drifters are Mr. Marvin and Richard. Mr. Marvin is white and in his late 50's. I have no idea what is story is or from where he hails. He appears to have no addictions. He gets clothes at Stewpot or in our clothes closet and eats breakfast here almost everyday. If you didn't know that he lived on the street or in shelters, you would think he was a church member. Nothing about him has the look of homelessness. There is a fine line between chatting with someone and "getting up in their kitchen." I would love to know more about him, but I've never felt comfortable just asking him flat out about his life story. I like to think that one day he will open the kitchen door a little bit and maybe I can gently step inside. Time will tell...

Richard sleeps in his car. He and I have talked several times and he has shared parts of his life with me. Years ago, he burned down his house and since then he has been without a permanent home. I guess at one time maybe there was some mental illness, but he has been on medication for years. Richard doesn't like shelter living. He got a job at the Salvation Army here in Jackson and saved enough to buy a car. He parks the car in truck stop parking lots at night to sleep. So technically, his car is his home. I really can't tell how old Richard might be. He is chubby and missing his 2 front teeth. He isn't as regular to Grace Place as he once was, but I still see him now and then. I don't think he likes to stay in one place for very long periods of time.

Personally, I don't understand the appeal of this lifestyle. Let's see, you're are not bound by a time schedule or job expectation, you don't have to pay bills, you are responsible only for yourself, you live where you want, travel where you want and do whatever you feel. Who in the world would ever want to live like that?