Flyer from Nov. 24 protest & sleepout:

S: Did you feel like any of these men wanted this lifestyle?

N: One gentlemen named Robert had a girlfriend and he proclaimed how he did not want this lifestyle for his girlfriend, he wanted something better for her! Robert exclimed how "women should not have to live like this." It was very clear he was very protective of her and he was just trying to make the worst situation one can imagine one's self in to be as comfortable as possible for her.

S: What happened next?

N: The girlfriend waved me over to speak with her privately. I could not believe what I heard then. It was astonishing and almost to much to take in. She began to open up about very personal issues including her pregnancy of four months! Her desparation in her voice was obvious so I could only do what I knew how and that was to listen carefully and offer encouragement.

S: Did she have other family?

N: Yes, she had a son and a daughter. She had just returned to town by bus to see her son off before he was incarcerated and her relationship with her daughter is strained because her daughter has an addiction problem with drugs. Consequently, there was no one she knew that she could stay with.

S: Do you believe her and Robert will stay together?

N: Yes, I believe they have a love story that will turn out okay. They share a dream of getting off the streets and they plan on getting married once they're off the streets. Opposite to what many people believe they, in this case Robert and his girlfriend, do not want to live on the streets. May I ask who would?

S: How do you feel after having a discussion with her?

N: After she told me the father of the baby wanted nothing to do with either of them the worry and anxiety was so evident in her eyes, I just wanted to snap my fingers to provide them with what they needed. I felt very much like I wanted to do more.

S: Was there anything she specifically asked you for?

N: Yes, she asked for such a simple item that many of us take for granted and it was a blanket she wanted. She said,"I don't know if I can sleep on the concrete another night." As we continued to talk my group gave her a blanket and some lemonade. Unfortunately, time ran short and I had to get back on the bus.

S: Is there anything this experience taught you?

N: The public that I spoke to about this sensitive subject tended to react negatively to just the word homelessness. It taught me that we must not cling to the preconceived notion that homeless people want to be homeless. This is a negative and harmful sterotype that must be abandoned. This experience reiterated that one can help just by listening, but could be extensive just by providing a lunch or a helping hand by volunteering. It doesn't take much to make a difference, but action must be taken!

I believe this compassionate, hard-working Nickel holds strong character that we must all applaud and value. Her generousity is something I personally admire and her narrative which I remixed made me re-evaluate my possesions and my needs. This week I will be collecting from myself and friends clothing, kitchen items, and canned foods that I will be taking to some local shelters. If anyone is interested please bring your items you feel you could live without or any items you wish to contribute to this ever-present problem we can help turn around to class this Wednesday or if you need more time please just let me know.