While being housed, the homeless sample received substance abuse treatment and educational services.
Their lives before is a contrast: each had spent time in jail, were in-and-out of detoxification, and were hospitalized for surgeries or had emergency room visits.
Russell says that he spent 120 days in the county jail in his most recent trip.
Dunzee says he has been a runaway since age 11 and that since then, he has been arrested more than 100 times.
“Not 100,” Dunzee says. “Well over 100.”
The survey reveals that a homeless individual with two years on the street cost $187,000 in public dollars, compared to $107,000 while in supportive housing.
Dunzee has looked ahead for the weather forecast, saying it is going to rain in a few days. He is not sure where he is going to be at that time.
Russell says that he is going to “hang out and wait for someone to kill me.”
Considering the dangerous streets in front of him, he says he will have to sleep with one eye open.
LOOKING AHEAD
Reflecting on their newest lives, members of Cornelius’ troupe respond with different answers.
“I thank God I’m homeless,” Cornelius says. He says it is a blessing to “reach others with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.”
“The road is challenging,” he says, “but there’s a better day coming.”
“God has his own plan,” he says.
Morales does not define his situation as homeless.
“I consider it more as an adventure,” he says, “it’s a process that we’re going through.”
Jacobs says his life is “eye-opening” and feels sorry for those not in his position.
He has rediscovered his artistry talent and looks forward to taking advantage of it.
“That could be my source of income,” he says, “if I use that talent that[god] gave me.”
He also reminisces oftime in the Navy. He was aboard a destroyer at Pearl Harbor.
“That’s what I miss,” he says, “I miss the travel.”
“I don’t know why I’m here,” Choy says.
He then starts to laugh. “I hate this place, every second of it! I can’t stand my situation,” he says, “I had a five bedroom house.”
Morales says that they tend to help each other. Under the bypass, Jacobs gives Morales the remaining half of his Subway sandwich.
“We go by that Golden Rule,” Cornelius says.
“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” he says.
They give extra blankets away when they can and show new homeless “the ropes” on street survival, he says.
For the troupe, the Golden Rule may be in extra need this winter season, as shelters cram and resources dwindle. A wonder is if those with homes will carry out the principle of the homeless. Cornelius says they will need more than blankets.
“If this is any indication, it’s starting to get cold early,” he says.
* * *
“If you wanted to leave me and roaaaam! When you got baaack! I’ll just saay welcome hoomee! “Cus’ honeeey nothinggg ... Noooothhhinngg! Could ever change this love I haaave for youuuu!”
—Preacher
