Prescott, Everybody’s Hometown!
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I’m one of the world’s many homeless people, and I say many because I believe there are lots of us.
I’ve run into my share of people who want to run the homeless out of town. It’s happened to me right here in Prescott, where when you enter this nice little town you are greeted by a sign that says Welcome to Everybody’s Hometown. Yet trying to find a safe place to sleep here in Everybody’s Hometown is next to impossible because there’s a law that says camping is illegal anywhere inside Everybody’s Hometown city limits. Nice little Prescott AZ.
It seems to me that Prescott has its share of homeless people, and even though camping is illegal, people are camping everywhere. I’ve had my share of arguments with homeowners; the police have been called. But what I’ve found out is the police can be very nice people; not everyone is out to run us off.
The other day a woman stopped and gave me some nice shoes. The Salvation Army, concerned about my warmth, gave me a sleeping bag and offers me breakfast; Open Door a hot lunch; the Baptist church fellowship; Church on the Street prays for me.
And I find Quixote’s Garage a safe haven. I’ve heard Catholic parishioners say this place, Quixote’s Garage, is the church, and in what way they can, they support the Garage.
I do my best to greet everyone. Every citizen I see, I wish them a fine day. I hold no grudges against those who have called the police, and every dirty look I get I repay with a smile and a wave. I’m having more people waving now, smiling at me.
And I thank everyone who is supporting the agencies I’ve mentioned because you are not just helping me, you are helping all of us, and I’m sure we all thank you. To all of you who are helping, “May the Lord bless you greatly.”
Maybe Prescott is Everybody’s Hometown. I feel welcomed.
Dan Stalinski
