Street People - Who Are They?
In Denver, 40% of the homeless "street people" are employed. And of those, many are two parent families with children. What's with that, Uncle Sam?

"On The Street"
I have changed the names of local people I interviewed.

March 7
Sunday Night

It's 5 pm, my first night on the street. I drive up Speer from Downing toward downtown until I see someone I'd like to talk with, join on the corner. There is a lone man around Sherman sitting in the grass overlooking the creek. Maybe he's the one. I keep driving. At Broadway and Speer on the bridge is a man maybe 40, beard, with a cart full of belongings, a sign pressed against his heart with his right hand.

I continue on, mentally logging the locations of possible companions. Then I notice people, down the hill toward the creek path, sitting or standing near bags and carts, people with the look of having camped out for a long time. It's a warm 60 degrees, unlike colder temps last week and in the am hours.

This must be where some people sleep when they don't have indoor shelter, so beautiful under the stars near the water. I see a man by himself, dark blue ski jacket and hat. I turn to go back still thinking about who I saw on my way. Then I glimpse two people sitting down the hill. This is the place, three people in all. I drive around several times till I find close parking on Fox Street. Sunday, meters free. I hadn't thought about the cost of meters!

Already I have to pee: nerves. I drive across Speer to King Soopers grocery, park in the covered lot. Expensive downtown lofts and apartments story above to maybe 10 levels. The grocery is 24 hours. Do they treat the homeless like humans, letting them use the restroom? I find it, get a chocolate donut, check out through self-serve. Fresh donuts don't scan so the cashier has to add it from her register. I'm getting sidetracked, nervous about hitting the street.

Finally, parked again, walking to Speer.

The man who was on the corner is now headed west, going toward the grocery store or to where he sleeps. Maybe the 2 others are still here.

They are. I introduce myself, shake hands with Cliff and Kathy. I tell them about sadness, I'm here because of something, something I need to do but I don't know what. I'm not homeless but I do need rent money. I have a job, I just don't seem able to do it most of the time anymore. I have family and friends who will help but I'm trying to save myself from this financial

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