Well, I just had a busy evening. I got a message from Chelsie asking me if she could borrow my camping gear. So I packed two sleeping bags, two air mattresses and a tent into my enormous backpack, got my son into the stroller and hopped onto the train. I also picked up a blanket for them.
After waiting some time after they were supposed to arrive, I started to worry that I had the wrong stop. So I went back home, checked my messages, then realized that I should have just waited a few more minutes because the trains were running late. So back I went, and sure enough, they were waiting.
In this case, 'they' consisted only of Chelsie and Terrance. That's right - the pair has decided to work through their rough patch and get counseling. The children are staying with a family member, but this family member would not provide space for Chelsie and Terrance. Thus the decision to camp.
Terrance and Chelsie had a pretty rough go of it over the last week or two, but it does seem that things are looking up. They say they have found a shelter that will be made available to them in about a week. (Of course, nothing is certain until they actually move in.) They will be allowed to stay for a month, which will hopefully give them enough time to make progress on other fronts.
Terrance also has found real work through a temp agency driving forklifts. It's not much, but at least it will be a paycheck. I believe his first one is coming next week. All he cares about is having enough to provide for his family.
I took them out to eat at a burger joint where I complained some about our broken system. Then I bought them a couple of boxes of granola bars and some fruit at the grocery store. They have a few cans of soup from a food bank and access to showers at a gym.
And yes, they are camping in town. It's technically not allowed, but it seems the cops are pretty understanding of the homeless situation around here. I just hope they can get a good night's rest.
After our little shopping trip we headed over to their 'campsite'. I handed over the pack, said good night and good luck, then went to hop on the train.
On the short walk from the platform to my little apartment, I looked up at the night sky. In some of the darker areas of our apartment complex it's not too bad. Of course, Jupiter and Venus have been putting on quite a show for everyone recently, even with the light pollution. Anyway, it helps me to look up every now and then. It grounds me.
And that's it. I just thought the few of you who have been paying attention to this saga would like to know what's been going on.
I should also mention that I locked the GoFundMe page so that it will not accept donations. However, if some kind soul out there wants to lend a hand, please let me know in the comments or via Kosmail and I will consider opening it up again. Better yet, if you have a room in the Portland, OR area and would be willing to give them a place to sleep for the week, please contact me.