#14:The Carpenter

1-31-2020

 

The Carpenter, a tall and skinny man of around 50 years, is soft spoken yet extremely polite. He is reflective and thoughtful, paying attention to every detail. 

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Have you worked any jobs before?

I used to be a carpenter by trade, but I’m retired now. I did woodworking, construction projects, and some other projects. It’s hard work, but I enjoyed it. It was something I was good at, you know? It was my profession. 

 

Do you receive any money from the government? 

Yeah, I have a pension and social security. I used to get pretty good money from my job, but I made some bad choices. I caused my divorce and gave my house to my wife. I still pay alimony for my daughters, but I’m homeless because I gave them my house. I visit them sometimes, but I don’t really want my children to see me like this. It’s embarrassing, but I really miss them. 

 

What is your most dire necessity at the moment?

I guess I’m okay with food right now, I always try to fit in going to the free meals at the church or Sunday breakfasts. I’m looking for housing right now, but it’s hard when you’re a single man. Most places have priority for families, so I’m on the waiting list for a lot of them. 

 

Are you from around here? 

Yeah, I was born in Fremont, actually. I’ve been here my whole life. I know it doesn’t make sense to stay here cause it’s become so crazy expensive, but I’ve never been anywhere else. Even when I don’t have a house, I still feel comfortable here, you know? I don’t know-I’m kind of split between staying and leaving. But it’s still my home.

 

Is there anything you want others to know about you?  

I know I don’t got a house, but that doesn’t mean I’m worth less than others. I hate it when people kind of give me that look because I’m homeless. It could happen to anyone. I’m just still trying to figure it out. It would be nice if they knew I was once just like them. I had a house, a family, a stable job. I’m just figuring it out. 

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