Home Sweet Car
June 24, 2008 | Filed Under City Streets and Sidewalks
Every morning, when I walk my dogs around 5:30, I see this matchbox-like car parked. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t give it a second thought. The streets are always full of parked cars. What caught my eye were plastic bags of stuff filled the car. It’s never a good idea to leave things in the car because it’s an invitation to a desperate person to break into the car.
Out of curiousity, I walked closer to the car and peeked inside. That’s when I noticed a dark blond-haired man, who looked to be in his thirties, sleeping soundly in the driver’s seat. I didn’t know how he could sleep comfortably, there was barely room to stretch. The windows were rolled up to the top and this was during the first heatwave in the city. It must be hotter than an oven in the car but I suppose it didn’t bother him.
This has been going on everyday for the past month. It’s obvious that he’s living in his car. I couldn’t help thinking that this homeless man can afford the gas prices but not rent.
Being homeless is very a serious and sad problem. For now, the car is this man’s home. I hope that he’s able to better his situation soon.
Paz
Ed. Note: This morning, I was late walking the dogs. Took them out after 6a.m. This time, I saw the homeless man wide awake. Dressed in a white shirt and black pants, he stood outside his car, moving things around inside the car, then he got back into his car and drove away. I wondered where he was going to work — probably work. I guess I’ll see him tomorrow morning… when he’s sleeping…
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11 Responses to “Home Sweet Car”
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So terribly sad…I can’t stop thinking about this man, wondering what his situation must be. May he, and so many, many others, find a better way soon… ((HUGS))to you, Paz
That is sad, I think this happens more often than people realize. There was someone I met online, who he ended up having to live in his car because he couldn’t afford a place to live. He was gone online for a few months and one day came back after finding a job.
It is a tragedy that people know where to go, no family and true friends. It is simply to understand how lonely this young may feel, and without true choices.
Thanks for the post…
What a sad situation but at least he was not on the street. Cannot imagine how anyone can sleep in that situation.
How come yu are dog walking at 5.30 am. Isn’t that the middle of the night?
What’s even sadder is that people who end up homeless in their car frequently can’t get back into the mainstream – if they lose their job, they can’t get a new one, because that would require an address, and if they had someone close enough to give them an address they’d be living there instead of in the car. So, they’re out of the system.
Good observation, though, and thanks for sharing it.
Hi everyone: Thanks for stopping by!
Oh, Barbara I have to walk them early in the morning because I have to leave for work soon after that.
Melissa: I’m glad your friend found a job.
Paz
What a sad and poignant observation. It would capture the attention of anyone who might think, there but for the grace, go I.
There are so many hidden stories here and everywhere. You only see it if you look.
And then you witness the contrast of those who complain because the waiter didn’t remember to bring lemon with their Diet Coke. Ah, the human condition……
5:30? I guess the only good news here is that your dogs don’t have to wait for their morning walk!
We’re usually unaware of how fortunate we are. This kind of a reminder puts many of those small every-day problems into perspective. Thanks.
Hi Bonnie: Yes, there but for the grace of God, go I.
Hi Per: Yes, it puts all those small problems into perspective.
Thanks for stopping by,
Paz
I’m homeless too. It hurts so much. Living in a world of inequality is very painful. I don’t fall short in physical strength or thinking ability, but I’m a victim of inequality. The dung attracts the flies, money attract friends. Homeless people have nothing to attract anyone. My only best friends are the flies. No one is faithful as they are. They stay around me because I sting, and I know they will not leave my dead body when it goes down under.
The only thing I value in the house of those who have the right to enjoy is: not their dining rooms, nor their bedrooms, but the rest room. Yes, the toilet is what I miss the most.
Dear MLL: I’m keeping you in my prayers that your situation changes for the better.
Best,
Paz