Dirty Manholes Swallow Clean Men

Johnny looking to get out.

As the temperatures warm, former Haven residence search for hidden nooks to set up camp. We visited one of these new tent cities last night--the largest we have ever encountered. It's still early in the warm season, so the authorities haven't clamped too hard on the residence of the woods, but the police visited recently and warned about keeping the area clean and quiet.

We first met Johnny who's trying to better his circumstances but is having difficulty getting a temporary position. The time spent sitting and waiting for a temporary position could be more profitable flying a sign; although, Johnny doesn't.

X talked about how Mr. Strompl should be throwing religion down the throats of the students. X is from Thailand and talked much about Buddhism. Older Carl sat by the fire pit, resting his legs from his long walk. All the men drank happily from the bottled waters we brought and engulfed the pizza rolls with frenzied joy.

We also learned where not to park in Akron.

Not Sure

Entering Tent City.

Anisette Cookies

Van

Driving down South Street, my peripherals caught a glimpse of a recognizable figure flying a sign. I pulled a laughable turn and pulled up across the street from the man. Returned my wave and squinted a couple times, and then finally recognized me. Ronnie crossed the street, avoiding annoyed drivers. I reached my hand from the van window and he shook it. He looked worn and tired, though his tanned face hid some of the pain. He had lost his phone, he told me, and I reiterated our commitment to his needs. He thanked me but a darkness shrouded around us. He walked back to his spot across the street, blessing me as he went. I felt helpless and didn't know how to express my defeat to the others, so I sat silent for the next few minutes.

The Popper

Minus Gina and her Star Trek friends.

"Alan!" yelled from across West Market Street.

"Hey, Jason," Alan yelled back.

"You need anything?"

"No. I'm fine."

Van pulls into Burger King parking lot.

"You need any water?" asked Milo from the van window.

"Nah, I'm headin' home."

Alan walks toward the parked van.

"You want a banana?"

"Oh, you got bananas? Yeah, I'll take a banana."

Banana handed through the van window.

"You want an apple?"

"Oh, yeah. I'll take a apple."

Bag handed back for more food.

"You want some peanut butter and jelly?"

"Oh, yeah. I'll take some peanut butter and jelly."

Bag handed back for more food.

"Hey, hey, Jason. You got some pizza?"

"Yeah, we got some."

Loaded bag of goodies handed to Alan.

Electric Pulses

Beans, Nuggets, and Rods

Trains and Jons

Jerry, spelled J-E-R-R-Y, slurred a story of his situation. At 63-years old, Jerry receives $900 in social security each month, which limits the amount of his EBT card (food card) and cuts completely his AMHA (assisted living). He said it was better to have no income at all. Now, he has to pay $450 in rent, pay for utilities, pay for food, pay, pay, pay, to the point where his social security makes it harder for him to get by. It takes Jerry two hours to walk from his house off Arlington to the downtown area where all of the amenities are. How would you handle such stress?

I didn't train cooks at Taco Bell for 13 years for nothin'

Preparation

Truckin' Pennies

Interrupted by a tree

Rained like a kid shot our of a water park ride.

Dave said he and Jamie are leaving their house. Jamie, who is still recovering, is going to stay with his sister in Ravenna. Dave doesn't yet know where he's going. He said that if we see a flash of a bike racing by, we know it's him.

Jim #1

Jim #1 stays at South Street Ministries' Front Porch and helps with handyman work, like plumping and electrical needs. Jim #1 remembered me, but I couldn't place him. Apparently, we met when Jim #1 lived in the woods with the rest of the guys, including Jim Bronco, which is where we found Jim #1 lounging in a recliner. He talked about his 17 years driving a semi. He explained that the entire East Coast should be used by Russia for nuclear target practice. I guess there are two saving graces to NYC: 1. Don't judge the inside of a building by the way the outside looks, and 2. Something about good Christians.

Jerry and John appreciated me remembering them. I think it lifted their spirits some.

Reverend Angers and his two teeth inviting me to a meal and service Saturday at 9AM. He said he'd welcome me. I thanked him but knew full well that I had already promised my wife that I'd attend a health food expo with her at that same time. We'll see if he remembers next week.