I made my rounds through the Loop last night looking for any street people that could use a sheet of plastic. I brought a dozen sheets of 9′ X 12′ plastic for folks to use in building temporary shelters. Sparks were flying off the L as I walked down Van Buren Street on my way to Lower Wacker:
The Black Hebrew Israelites were enduring the snow in Talkers’ Park to let the world know just how much they hate white people:
I slid down the alley off of Adams to visit Palmer’s Other House. Several people were huddled around the life sustaining vent where generations of SLoop homeless people have found shelter from Chicago’s frigid cold.
I also ran into Roger as I was walking down Lake Street. Roger said he was all ready for the harsh weather. He told me he had a new sleeping bag and a dry place under a viaduct to sleep and keep out of the cold.
After wishing Roger all the best, I made my way to Lower Wacker. Come on down and we’ll see who’s home!
All was still and quiet down on Hepatitis Boulevard, as most of the junkies were out hustling for their next fix:
Shaggy and Ozzy had their bedrolls all ready for another night on the streets. It looked as if John’s bedroll was in disarray. This is a sign that he’s in jail.
I left clean needles and several rolls of plastic for them. They’ll know it was me, as I’m the only person who brings clean needles. After checking a few more places, I headed back to the upper-world:
On my way back to the Metra station I decided to check down one more alley…
… where I found Hercules on his way to panhandle enough for a beer.
After letting Hercules know That I’d be back the next day, I continued on my way back to the Metra station. I found my way to a seat up top, where I gazed out the window as I thought about how lucky I am to have a warm home…
UPDATE – 9:02 AM:
Wow… the news man just said possibly 50 below zero with windchill… I’ve got to go downtown tonight and check on a few people. I’m thinking of poor Phil down on Lower Wacker… This cold, will kill people.
