Mini-Cinq 2. / The Homelessness in America Edition.

On why we ALL can be better regarding this topic.

Hey, everybody. 

Esquire Magazine has had an incredible history of stories and authors behind them. One of the most chilling to me that I unfortunately re-read every September 11th is Tom Junod’s “The Falling Man.” This latest Mini-Cinq focuses on a story by a somewhat atypical writer…but everyone should read his story.

Here we go.

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When you read Patrick Fealey’s bio in Esquire, it seems pretty straightforward. “Patrick Fealey is a writer living in Rhode Island. He has written for The Boston Globe, Reuters, and other outlets.” But when Esquire’s Editor in Chief Michael Sebastian tells you more about Patrick, it pulls out a piece that sits you down:

Last week, we published a story about homelessness in America. The writer, Patrick Fealey, is homeless and lives in his car. He was an award-winning journalist at the Boston Globe before a series of misfortunes—including issues with his mental and physical health—led to financial collapse. His story is extraordinary. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read on the topic. It’s beautifully written, visceral, informative. The story has the power to change how you think about people living in shelters, in their cars, and on the street.

Fealey, with his pup Lily who he rescued from a vacant lot (where she was left to die) 4 years ago.

Everyone should read Patrick’s harrowing and eye-opening story about what it really means to be homeless in America. I channel Mr. Sebastian here in that I urge you to read the Pulitzer nominee’s piece. (Link HERE)

“The American flag flies over Walmart. When I was young, I was proud of and found comfort in the flag. I felt fortunate to have been born in the United States of America, where every life mattered. I still believe this.”

I leave two parting thoughts here:

1. Back in high school, I volunteered for the Food Bank of New Jersey, working on providing food and meals to the homeless. One day, we were in Newark providing said meals, and out of nowhere we see a rustling of boxes and an impeccably dressed woman come out to get some food. She was wearing this black and white skirt suit, and it was quite the sight to see in the middle of everything.
   
   I politely asked the lady as I was serving her meal if there was a story behind this outfit. She shrugged and responded, “Well, I actually have an interview later today. I used to be a successful corporate attorney and, well, life didn’t entirely work out for me lately.”
   
   As the Jordan Neely/Daniel Penny trial continues, I hope this little firsthand account gives you a new lens on those trying to get by and you consider helping out, whether it’s donating money, clothes, socks, food, anything.
   

2. I think a lot about

   Anne Kadet
   ’s
   CAFÉ ANNE
   piece about panhandling ever since she published it in September. In a very trying time with an unclear future, we all can brush up on our personal and financial empathy. Yes, the same request from Parting Thought 1 applies here.

To Give or Not to Give? Begging the Question

"A man will run fast toward a pot of gold, but he'll run faster with a tiger on his ass.
An artist's job is to move people."

- Patrick Fealey

~ C O L O P H O N ~

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