Homeless is a series of diaries I have been writing since August 20, 2015, several weeks after I became homeless. PADS is the organization that is in charge of the homeless shelters where I stay nearly every night, and provides assistance signing up for available services, job searches, etc.
Homeless 50 is a compilation of information that might make understanding various acronyms and recognize some of the people a little better. You are welcome to start with Homeless Now and work through the other diaries, but starting with Homeless 50 may give you a jump start.
Today was a day. Precisely at 6 the Itasca Presbyterians flipped on the lights and called out, "Time to get up, ladies." Sometimes it feels like we are in boot camp.
I had an appointment with Will (in charge of shelter sites) at 10 am, and for some unknown reason, the center was opening then - 2 1/2 hours late.
I waited by the door of the women's bathroom long enough to make certain I would not get a lunch, but not long enough to get to use the bathroom. (One toilet in a half bath is tough when there are a dozen women.)
So, Cheryl and I headed to the McDonald's closest to PADS center. I invited Candy to come and to use my cell phone there, since I had no idea where there was a pay phone she could use.
When done with her call, Candy cycled through all of her gossip and complaints about how specific PADS clients act. Later Cheryl said to me, "That's why I eat dinner, go to bed, get up and leave." I said that I agreed, but that sometimes the gossip made for great diaries. She agreed, but just wanted to keep away from the drama.
To which I say, "AMEN!"
We headed over to the center around 9:30, then I worked on gathering documents and taking placement tests until Will was ready. He wants people to attend an illness support group on Fridays. We will get guaranteed pads on those nights -through 12/18. So, not what he'd offered me, but cool for that one night of the week.
After lunch Cheryl left to go to the place that offers training to those 55 and over. I went to my car to look for a hard copy of my birth certificate & other forms. I'd emailed scans of these to Worknet DuPage, but they didn't confirm receipt as I'd requested.
I got what I needed, started the van, then realized I needed to print my resume and pay information. So I went into the computer lab in the employment center, made my prints, and returned to the van.
This time when I turned the key, the van went click, click, click.
Damn. It was a little before 1, my appointment was at 2, and my car that started 15 minutes ago won't start now. I called... my sister. Wouldn't you?
She works at Cars and Trucks, and her boss said get the battery jumped if you can, or call back. Case manager Jen pulled her car up to mine, and we used my cables to get it started. I drove the long way to my appointment, and let it idle plus drove at least 50 minutes.
I'm all in-taked into the Work Net system, and took some weird placement test I mostly did not understand. The intake lady said I'll hear back soon, maybe Friday.
Then I drove to Cars and Trucks, where my sister gifted me with a new battery and an oil change. I got to sit and talk to my sister for awhile, which was the best gift of all.
Finally I drove to Our Savior in Carol Stream. I am sitting in the parking lot now... 20 minutes until tonight's lottery. When I first started typing this, a woman walked over and said, "There's my knitting friend." She handed me a bag with 3 rolls of yarn and a light that hangs around your neck.
And THAT'S the news from the fortunate homeless in Carol Stream, IL.