Today I was out and about doing what I do taking photos of things that interests me. When I saw this man standing on the side of the road walking back and worth with his sign, limping. I don't know his story but my heart told me to help him and I did.
After I handed him the money someone yelled at me that I shouldn't help him he didn't need help. I hollered back at them and told them not to worry about what I do with my money and went along my way. I did a few things but couldn't get him out of my head, so I went back downtown where I saw him and got out to take photos around downtown hoping I would see him again. And sure enough I did.
I sat down and talked with him, his name is Harold by the way and he gave me permission to tell his story. Last month he landed in the hospital and was there till two weeks ago when he got out of the hospital his landlord since he was late on rent threw him out on the streets and he lost his job because of the hospitalization. I also found out he is a VET so I am so glad I helped him. I wished him the best and continued on my way after talking to him for a bit.
I kept taking the photos I was out to capture when I saw him gather his few belonging and head out, he said bye to me and told me he was tired and was gonna go get some sleep. I was curious so I followed him to see where he was sleeping. My heart is broken because of what I saw.
I found out today about 25 people stay under that bridge any given night. A little ways down there is this and apparently another 15-20 people stay the night here a night.
I am really sad after seeing what I saw today. I try to help those in need when I can, but it brings it into a whole new perspective when you see this stuff up close and personal. If you see someone helping someone else please don't be rude to the person helping out, it is their money and it is none of your business if they want to help someone out that they believe is in need. It is called being a decent human being. Don't knock on people who are trying to be good people and giving someone a hand up from their situation. Most people are two pay checks away from being homeless, so you never know when it can happen to you. Too much greed and evil in the world we need more kindness and compassion.