NATHAN

prized possession : a pair of pants

 

Nathan’s eyes well with tears as he describes how his path to homelessness began with his “mama’s” death a year and a half ago in their North Carolina home. Nathan was struggling, sleepy, and sad on on the harshly cold day we met in Denver. A city worker politely informs him he is not allowed to lay down on the bench he was resting on, during our conversation. Picking himself up, he shares the unfortunate story of his most prized possession. 

 

Most Prized Possession: A pair of pants. “The cops cut a hole in my pants yesterday looking for drugs,” he says with rage. “They didn’t find a thing. These are the only pants I have,” Nathan laments. His small stature makes finding a well-fitting pair of pants difficult and winter is swiftly approaching. Amazingly though, as we are speaking, Jeff, a relief worker from the St. Francis foundation, comes and gives him a new pair of pants. This gift comes as a, relieving, selfless, and hopeful sign of hope for Nathan.