This story is part of a package on homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read the accompanying piece.
The homeless people who I know have not practiced social distancing, have continued to smoke snipes (other people’s cigarette butts found on the streets), do not regularly wash their hands, and have demonstrated a cavalier attitude about health concerns. They claim that they’ve built up their immune systems because of everyday exposure to the difficult conditions affecting their lives. They have not seen or heard much of the news, and many have missed the precautionary measures that the rest of us see every hour of the day.
I made an emergency food run for a few people who needed it. Jimmy was one of them. I kept a distance and dropped off some supplies, including a notebook so Jimmy can write about the virus, a couple of fresh cigarettes, a jar of peanut butter, a jar of jelly, and a loaf of white bread: Jimmy likes PB&J sandwiches.
Stacey lives with her partner Greg and their cat Simba along Lower Wacker. Stacey woke up one morning to the sound of city workers delivering a washing station to her encampment.
Tay is an artist. On the streets he tries to sell his drawings of iconic Chicago landmarks to passersby. He’s usually successful, but now the streets are empty.
