Unhoused, transient, vagrant or bum.
Pick whichever term feels best for you. It makes no difference, our health and hardships aren’t in question. How we got there and how we’re doing are of no regard. The people we are and the principles we might hold come second to the title we all hold with obvious irregularity.
Homeless and it stands out. For all the countless factors, twists and turns and personal choices that got people where they are. One fact unifies. There’s nothing that could be done to make a difference.
Of course, that’s not true. But at a glance, disregard is easier than attempting to analyze the infinite variables required to surmise whether or not it’s a good idea to give some hobo a dollar.
Truth told, there’s no way to say how significant a dollar might be. Rhythmic cacophony, absolute chaos, day-by-day and that is your fate. It’s a little hard to make a plan for the future when you’re playing by ear.
We are surrounded by drugs, have no sense of security, be it of person or property. There is no warmth and no water. As I continue to clarify upon these uncomfortable constants, know that we are always at the mercy of prejudice and bigotry.
Wondering if we look “normal” enough to use the restroom or the microwave before being chased off for being a “hygienic concern.”
Well, before any passerby comes to the realization that we smell of urine and feces, I assure you we are all well aware. Our lives don’t have the luxury of clean clothes or a bath, detergent or deodorant. Blessed are those of us who have a place to wash our laundry or take a shower. We have no choice but to accept that daily privilege as less than likely.
Envy insults us when we hear, “I understand.” God forbid, you truly understood the damage this lifestyle can do to one’s self confidence. We yearn for whatever quality of life is necessary to forget what quality of life we currently have. Envious to understand how you understand.
I promise, most of us would love to get a job. Get back to paying rent and owning a car, seeing a doctor or a dentist. But take into consideration, how unlikely an employer is to consider the resume of anyone whose address is the local shelter. Consider that we homeless have to get ready for work, the same way you get ready for work.
Shower, shave and clean clothes. Breakfast before you’re out the door. A sense of security as you lock the door behind you. A passive reassurance that all you have worked for, all your possessions and prizes, clothes, food and comforts, all that exist as testament and reason for pursuit of consistency.
Everything that motivates why you go to work.
My people seldom retain the few possessions they fit into a backpack. We’ve no place to go after work to relax. No freshening up before the dinner we don’t have. There are no clean pajamas. I don’t get to rest in some bed I don’t own. I have no place away from the stinging summer insects or the icy cold of winter.
My people are seldom in possession of a reason for why.
If we attempt encampment, we receive citations and tickets, until we leave the area or get taken to jail. We aren’t motivated by fines we’re unable to pay. Instead, we’re motivated with notices to move everything we own or have it disposed of by morning. Courtesy of those sworn to protect and serve.
We have no rights to possession, property or privacy. We have no home. We have no hope.
We have no where or when. Do you understand why?
Antonio Espinoza is a veteran and chairman of the La Plata County Lived Experience Advisory Board. He lives in Durango.
