DON

prized possession : wallet

Sporting his wise white beard, somewhere between Santa Claus and a hippie, Don, hardly goes a minute without a chuckle. Still, he acknowledges the hardships of his homelessness. He’s lost track of the years he’s searched for sanctuary on city streets. His girlfriend quickly corrects him. “It’s not adding up,” he smiles, before figuring out it’s been about seven years total.  When the Wisconsin native describes the cause in two words: “no work.” Physical limitations have impeded his search for employment.“I’ve been hit twice by cars. So I can’t really work. If I sit too long, I’ve got to stand. If I stand too long, I’ve got to sit. What kind of job am I gonna find that’s gonna allow that?” He lowers his voice when recounting a recent attack on his girlfriend of four years, Patty. “Whoever did it tried to cut her ears off. It was horrible.” The connection between Don and Patty is radiant, obvious, and warm. 

 

Prized Possession: “My wallet I guess. It’s got my ID and everything ya know. It’s all I got.”