I'm copying this post over because I feel like it belongs here too. I wrote it late last night, but I'm not less angry about it now. I feel like it belongs here, if not, feel free to take it down.
Details and names changed to protect mine and their privacy.
Last night I cried.
This is NOT me asking for help to help others. I promise. This is me full of rage.
Last night I met Kyle (all names changed) at the gas station two blocks from my house. He walked up to me in a dirty white T and shorts. He had a (adorable) two year old kid with him.
“I promise I'm not a scammer. I just need enough gas to keep the car cooled off”
He gestured at an early model caviler at a pump. Kyle walks over to the pump with me and shows me his gauge is on E. He's obviously living in this car. Mostly clothes and baby things, a couple backpacks and a cooler. I, am not a well off person. I put five dollars in the tank at the pump. Turn around to walk away and Kyle, crying, asks me for a hug. Fuck yeah, I held that man while he cried at a gas pump. His girlfriend came walking up shortly thereafter. She was at the rite aid filling a prescription. We started talking. I guess I'm the only one who has actually had a conversation with them. Okay.
Kyle and Amanda are from Ohio. Kyle made windshield parts in Columbus. His factory laid him off a month ago. They couldn't make rent but he has a cousin up here that said they could stay. When they showed up, a couple hundred miles away, the cousin decided he didn't have room for a baby and two adults in his apartment. He gave Kyle 50 bucks and turned him and his family away.
That was two and a half weeks ago. A 50 doesn't go far with a baby. He's found a couple day labor jobs here and there but now his thermostat and possibly water pump need replaced. His car isn't overheating at an idle, but if they move it far it overheats. I'm only assuming it's those things. I have a code reader to throw on it today. I have the tools to replace them, not the money.
I was with them until late last night. We shared a hot and ready and all the stuff I could get with my gas station rewards points. When I left them….I fuckin lost it. Broke down, got home, held my wife and cried about the world for 10 minutes. I've lived in a broke down car too so it cuts pretty deep.
Just why is it like this. They now have to either find a way back to Ohio or wait to receive help. I called every shelter I could find. Shortest wait time is TWO WEEKS unless Amanda has a restraining order. Then she can get a DV emergency bed. Just her though.
Why are there SO MANY homeless folks right now that the shelters are full? Honestly I know the answer. It's just bleak and heartbreaking.
I'm gonna help them anyway I can. I've got phone numbers for more places that might be able to help from 211. I'm gonna go see them in a few hours again and try to brainstorm how we're paying for these parts. I'm gonna offer them my electricity at least, and to fill whatever water bottles/charge anything they can. I don't have space for three to stay or I'd offer a place.
I don't say anything here to brag. Most of you would do what I'm doing, probably more. I don't have anything more to help with besides time and maybe a car fix. I honestly don't feel good about it right now, I feel fucking useless. I feel like I want to cry again. I just want to rage and lash out at someone responsible for this, but I can't punch capitalism in the face.
I'm sorry if this was too much, I just needed to get this anger out somewhere. Just so fucking mad.
Update for those that are reading 8/20/2022 5:30pm:
Things were charged.
Lunch was made.
They're hopeful that a lot of stuff can be helped after the weekend. I am too.
Got emergency DHS paperwork filled out.
Got into contact with an emergency food bank and got them stocked up on some non perishables a few cooler items and a couple bags of ice for a few days.
Got in touch with a convenience store owner I used to work for, they now have a nearby place to park in the shade for a few days at least. We limped the car about a mile with the 4 ways on so it didn't overheat. We're allowed to work on it in the parking lot too. Trying to keep them close by because they don't have phones.
They're doing okay(as okay as can be expected). We didn't get the money together for the water pump, but hopefully by Monday they can do something. Someone gave me a number of a church that might help with car repairs through a voucher system.
I talked to someone at the Salvation Army (very nice dude answered my long and ramble email). If nothing comes through soon and we can't get the car fixed, they'll at least help with transportation (bus tickets) back to Ohio.
I know some of you probably think I'm getting taken for a ride. That's okay. I'd rather give too much help to someone that doesn't need it, than no help to someone that might. Kindness costs nothing. That's most of what I've done or has been asked of me. Just conversation that doesn't involve their situation as every point, and kindness.