..........Said the security guard at Tower Square in downtown Springfield, in response to my questions about the homeless problem. Asked what problems they encounter and panhandling was the biggest, When I commented that most homeless I have spoken to tend to avoid the public areas for multiple reasons such as ,law enforcement, not wanting to bring attention to themselves, and even pride and shame all rolled into one.
I mentioned that a lot of the panhandlers I have come across are dressed better than me and many have vehicles somewhere nearby and many are scammers and this individual with a secure job and home insisted they all did it to themselves.I left this closed mind, in search of my true quarry. Although it was pouring cats and dogs, I continued , I still have a home to go to
At the bus station I encounter my first of the day. The man in blue asked me for change,(pic 1)
At which point my instincts kicked in. I told him I was sorry for his bad luck,but he had better shoes than I did and I carried nothing with me but my camera and cane. My instincts were vindicated about an hour and half later. These are the same two cooking heroin, for the needle the one in green is holding.
Before I was vindicated I came upon this man who didn't want to talk to me. Next to
this place is the North End Bridge,off I go. Once again instincts paid off.
I found waterfront real estate. This wasn't here last week,but then again most of the sites I documented last week are gone. The river is low , the last shot was taken from the next bridge abutment which is usually under water Water level is up to the green area normally.
This place has all the amenities including a wok. MORE TO COME!
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