Dear Anonymous,
Mike is very open to being photographed. Less so was the thin and very cold young man I didn't have the heart to ask. Early twenties. New to the street. He has nothing except a wet long sleeve shirt and wet jeans. His thin shoulders are up to his ears and shivering. All the guys huddle again to get him 'what he needs'. A backpack, dry pants, thermal shirts, sweatshirts and an outer jacket....and socks. All I ask is 'You new out here?' and he says 'Yup.' He could be any one of our sons. Deer in the headlight. Seasoned guys trying to help him organize layers for warmth. Gonna be a long day for him.
Others stop by. Alcohol on their breath. They are kind. Thrilled with socks and some warm fleece.
Thank you, these clean fleece and sweatshirts and heavy shirts were scooped up. When I leave, the sidewalk looks a bit like a Filene's Dressing Room with guys ripping off wet shirts, replacing them with dry or adding layers.
Blueberry cake helped too.
Thank you, Dear Anonymous.