Steven

A few weeks ago I saw Steven scooting through the streets late one night and wondered how he stayed safe.  I was driving and didn't have a chance to stop and talk.  Little did I know that on that night he was on the verge of being displaced from his home under a local bridge.  Steven and a group of 15 or so other houseless folk had been camping under the bridge for some time.  The city felt forced to clear the area, for the safety of those living there, as well as others.  

When I saw him today our eyes locked and we instantly started a conversation.  Steven has been living on the street for about a year, following a series of events that led to a decrease in the amount of government assistance he receives.  He could no longer pay the modest rent where he was staying and the street became his home.  After the bridge encampment was dispersed, he and a few friends made their way to the downtown area and he said he's been roaming every night since then.  "We watch out for each other he told me," pointing to a small group of friends nearby.  "God helps me and I help others with what I've been given," he said.  "If I have a good day and make some money, I'll share it with someone else who needs food. That's just the grace of God at work."  Steven shared that it's really hard to stay warm at night, but he believes that God is always with him.  "I hope you can share my story," Steven said.  "Tell people about us. It ain't easy out here, but we got each other." 

Thanks for sharing your story with me, Steven.