Tag: chicago

Life alone

I’ve written about Phil before on this blog. He refuses to be called homeless although he’s slept outside without exception for almost 18 years. I took Phil’s photo last night in a snow shower while he was sleeping. The boulder looking object behind Phil is his belongings, 18 old lady push-carts under a tarp. phil

Mass Transit In Chicago

Mass Transit in Chicago

The train system in Chicago is called the “El” as in elevated which is appropriate seeing the majority of the tracks are above ground. However, it’s weird not calling it the subway because everywhere I get on board requires descending, not climbing. At any rate, one of the busier stops in the city located in the “Loop.”stairs

One of the one-percenters

Minus two degrees on Monday, January 18, just after midnight, leaning against one of the swankiest hotels in Chicago.

Most of the people who pan-handle on the streets of Chicago are not homeless. They may be drug-addicted, alcoholic or just plain broke, but the majority are not homeless. This middle-aged guy sleeps in this neighborhood regularly. It’s one of the richest zip codes in the city (60611). It was stinging cold that night. The warm-air grate he was sitting on is part of the Sofitel Hotel. A luxury hotel my any standards. Most businesses shoo the homeless away, but on very cold nights, the hotel manager lets this guy be. While certainly no grand solution, it’s one person’s way of making sure another person has another day. homeless