Austin, Texas: Homeless Epidemic Epicenter 2018

I find myself at Kirby Lane Cafe--a local 24 hour diner as my new friend Douglas held down the steps of University Catholic Center, waiting for his free 30 day bus pass. At 4:30 in the morning the doors to this stone chiseled haven open granting access to a metaphorical Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory for the homeless community here in Austin, Texas. Located down town in the University of Texas sprawl, this religious center offers scheduled services providing food, bus passes, an HEB grocery store credit coupon containing $10.00, and a number of advising services.

The center offers a very limited number of bus passes and only the first 30 individuals are eligible to collect these tickets allowing free transportation through the amazing wonderland that is Austin. The homeless situation in Austin, TX is desperate to say the least. More frequently topping the search results of Google when typing ‘Austin, TX homeless 2018’ articles covering the escalating debates of what to do with the homeless epidemic in Austin.

Tonight, I find solidarity in connection to the plight of these individuals as they use shirts, jackets, old towels, basically anything available for makeshift pallets and hunker down for the night. They were huddled together in some cases or staggered to allow comfort protecting their belongings, pressed against walls or railings trying to gain whatever comfort they could from the cold concrete beneath them as their bodies and bags trailed down the handicap accessible ramp leading to the front steps. The murmur of rain was rippling through their ranks as I departed. I will be bringing good news that rain is not expected until 5:00 AM; I pray this remains true allowing a brief window for the line of disparaged to move forward into shelter.

Only this slim window I have chosen starting presently at 11:30 PM with nine out of the first thirty individuals queued and accounted for will I gain any different comfort from those in line. As I departed to update my postings would the untrained eye allow differentiation from these individuals, my backpack full of supplies, wearing dirty paint pants as per usual when tromping. No, tonight I camp out with the Austin homeless population providing empathy in my eyes, concern in my voice, and questions that offer glimpses of hope as I survey and interview these individuals.

I believe many changes will be flowing through the community soon as funding has began to open up and partnerships are being made in the right areas but unfortunately, the right direction is not enough to solve the enormity of this dire situation. Austin, TX needs help - I can only wonder, without pouring into research, how many other cities this epidemic have become over burdened to the breaking point as well.

As of 12:30 AM I am headed back to the steps of the University Catholic Center. I can only assume how many individuals are present at this point, which direction the flow of bodies turned reaching the bottom of the handicap accessible ramp, and how my new friend Douglas is doing in his prime time corner office spot offering the greatest security from theft, shelter from the elements, and out of path to avoid being stepped on by others attempting to walk off the close quarters they are confined in.

Douglas definitely has the sweet spot and I can imagine he is sound asleep by now or soundly telling his never ending stories to anyone who is willing to take but a moment to listen.

It’s time stories like those of my new friend Douglas are heared and a vision is shared; to create an environment that humanizes the dehumanized by promoting a new way of looking at the issue of homelessness by seeing everyone as an individual in need of love, connection, and support. Through facilitating positive interactions between the homeless and the community as a whole, we aim to unify everyone in Austin to work together to fulfill not just the financial needs of the homeless, but the social, emotional, and spiritual needs as well.

https://www.hearingthehomeless.org/vision-history/

Hearing The Homeless Collection

Chapter 2 of 5

mhmarie

Hearing The Homeless Collection

Chapter 2 of 5

mhmarie

Dutiful Shoes; Staggering Feet Move

My poor shoes the weight they cary

Enduring moves akin to loaded ferry

With strain they pull at stitched seam

The glue failing with silent scream

Faded and dirty, the pigment awash

Their texture rough no longer posh

Frayed laces once were pearly strands

Counting days until ripping in hands

The feet within swollen and callused

only saved by shoes materials ballast

The aches and throbs of mile sobs

Over curbs like logs chasing mobs

The urban sprawl of concrete crawl

Has punished their untrained brawl

Each forward step feble and shaky

They list as resolve becomes flakey

Their determination and stride reside

Within their dance of steps of pride

Chasing the stories of the unfortunate

Seeking to share words importunate

The pain of failing shoes is intense. After days pursuing stories and doing head counts, able to return to safe shelter and soft warm bed the throbbing pain is intense. A major concern noticed within the community is mobility. A functional pair of shoes and healed feet are vital to the recovery of these individuals. Many expressions have been shared regarding foot care.

Dedicated to the story chasers of Hearing The Homeless and the miles they walk, with their determined smiles as they empathetically talk to those who reside on the very streets they stalk.

Hearingthehomeless.org

Instagram.com/m.h.marie

Suggested/Related Writings:

Hearing The Homeless Collection

https://theprose.com/book/1660/hearing-the-homeless