Having a Place to Stay With a Lease

by Buzzy

After more than fifteen years of living on the streets, I find myself finally having a place to stay; something that I can call my very own. I am still in the process of getting the essential things that will finally make it a “real life home”, but just knowing that when it gets cold at night I have a place to stay is a relief. I am always asked the question, “How do you like your place?” My response is always the same, “It’s a place to lay down at night without worrying about someone trying to hurt you, rob you, or abuse you in some kind of way because you are Homeless.”

I am finding out though, that having a place to stay comes with a lot of responsibilities: bills, Food, CLEANING SUPPLIES, GETTING FURNITURE, and general upkeep. These things that most people take for granted, but being homeless for so long, it takes some getting used to. I’m learning day by day. The main thing is that my family doesn’t have to worry about me as much anymore.

They don’t need to worry about where I am staying and will I live through the night. I have gotten in the habit of calling my brother every morning to tell him I am still alive and doing fine.

That has always been one of my pet peeves about living alone and having my own place to stay: dying without anyone around to know or care. I always hear these stories about famous people and people not so famous having strokes or falling and no one is around to help them until it is much too late. But as time goes by, I am becoming a lot more confident about being alone.

I have enjoyed two holidays this year already in my new place. I have gotten to know a lot of people here in the apartment complex and it has been quite a rewarding experience and I know it can be a lot more rewarding as time goes by.

Having a place to stay is going to be a BLAST and I hope to keep all of you updated as time goes on. I thank everyone for their support, concern, contributions, and continued purchasing of the Cleveland Street Chronicle. Until the next installment, I wish everyone the very Best and to KEEP THE FAITH!! 

 Copyright NEOCH and Street Chronicle May 2013, Cleveland, Ohio