Be Careful Out There

Those of us that prefer to be "on the streets" rather than in the "shelters" tend to strike alliances, for mutual benefit. Just so, last night, three of us "curb camped" in a frequent spot. There's a number of people doing so, along a stretch of street that's residential on the other side and we're all outside a large church property, but only allowed right along the curbside of the wide sidewalk.

So two of us, or three like last night, will set up head-to-head or toe-to-toe to provide some kind of "support". Even so, this morning it was discovered that one of us had had the seat to their bicycle stolen and their rear wheel's quick release and spindle taken. We'd just discussed this the other day, when I'd given him a replacement seat for his old worn out one, and I'd explained why I don't even use those quick-release mechanisms for my bicycle seat anymore. Our other companion does have a quick-release seat post, but actually removes the seat and post and tucks it down in the foot of his sleeping bag.

These vermin that prey upon and steal from folks that are "out here" and have so little are among the lowest of the low. What's worse is that there's a good chance that we "know" who did it... if not personally, we've probably seen them around. Because anyone in that area most likely isn't some random newcomer that both just happened by in the middle of the night and would have the moxy to risk that theft.

This illustrates one of the more basic dynamics of the predicament being homeless and outdoors: there are those that will help and ally with you to important mutual benefits and advantages; and there are those that will do you seriously wrong. Of course, this is true in most all strata in this life. But the precariousness of a destitution on the streets really forces the issues. A bike without a seat and rear wheel spindle can't be ridden.

And it's his second day working at a new job. So he has to get to work another way, meaning leaving his bike behind, either to be watched by others (that may not be able to take it with them or stick around) and that he can't get to a bike shop to buy used replacement components because he'll be working. And that's if he even happens to have enough cash in his pocket for just such an otherwise modest expense.

Even some of the smallest of matters become truly major matters when in this circumstance.