Dear Anonymous,
Many folks out on the street are getting hotel rooms provided by the City. ( I do not know the details or the policy so I apologize if I am incorrect about who is providing what) I hear if you do not have a State ID you will not be admitted to the hotel. This is a problem for some. Others are well hunkered down at Milestone (thank you Milestone Foundation) at night and are wandering during the day as best they can without any place to land.
Several men mentioned how hard it is not to have people around to speak with. More difficulty getting in touch with caseworkers. Of more than the usual stigma around homelessness. I don't know but I listen from a distance. Briefly. I know they crave more time. Mental stability does not seem to be prospering. There was one story of someone self immolating behind a convenience store yesterday. I pray this is not true.
Mike is headed to shelter for a week and wanted to thank whoever it was that provided these masks at Preble Street.
Remembering a comment from a MaineWorks employee last winter. A man from the County Jail pre-release program who said:
How we treat our most vulnerable members of society speaks to the quality of our society.
Powerful words.
This image was photographed 6+ feet away and was an exceedingly brief check-in as I filled my car with gas.