1. Yesterday afternoon I noticed a man who appeared to be homeless sitting on the ground by my office. I walked by him again later that night. I was startled when I noticed his pants were pulled down a bit. I just kept on walking.
2. Then I was at my office early this morning and became concerned when I saw the man in the same spot. He seemed to be just waking up. Again, his pants were pulled down—but not in a sexual way.
3. I told the man that I was worried that someone would call the police on him and that he should pull his pants up. He seemed to understand and pulled his pants up.
4. It seemed like he was going to get up and leave, but when I came back from getting coffee he was still there. I didn’t know what I could do to help him but asked if he wanted breakfast. He said he did. So I went and got him a breakfast sandwich and a cup of coffee.
5. Later, I took a break from work and saw he was still in the same spot. Once again it looked like he was going to get up and leave. I asked if he wanted help getting up and he said he did.
6. I tried to help him stand up and then realized how limited his mobility was. I saw that he had only one crutch sitting next to him. I have no idea how he got to the spot where he was sitting, but it was clear he wasn’t going to be able to walk away on his own.
7. I didn’t know what to do. There is a lack of resources in Portland (that I’m aware of) to help someone in a situation like this, that don’t involve the police. So I started talking to him more...
8. I asked him if he ever stays at a shelter, and he said that he sometimes stays with his family and that they were probably worried about him. He mentioned his brother, and I asked if he knew his brother’s phone number.
9. The man pulled out a cell phone from his jacket and it was turned off. I was guessing the battery was dead, but then he turned it on. After multiple attempts, he couldn’t remember his password to unlock it. He told me that he is old and had a hard time remembering things.
10. I asked the man what his name was. He told me. But I’m going to call him Henry to respect his privacy.
11. I was guessing that it was unlikely that Henry would remember his brother’s phone number, but I asked him for it. Also, I didn’t mention this before but it was difficult at times to understand what he was saying.
12. Very deliberately Henry told me his brother’s phone number. He said it a couple of times. I dialed it on my phone. As it rang, I was still thinking the chances were slim to actually connect with his brother. But his brother answered…
13. I explained the situation and his brother was clearly concerned. His brother told me that Henry had a bad stroke. Henry used to be weightlifter and trainer. But it’s been difficult for him to accept his physical and mental constraints now.
14. Henry's brother said he was going to come down to help him. He told me to tell Henry to stay put. I told him that I would tell Henry that, but that it was unlikely he would be moving anywhere on his own.
15. I went for a walk and when I came back a man was standing next to Henry talking with him. It was his brother. I talked with his brother briefly and then went back to my office.
16. About 15 minutes later, I went back outside to see how things were progressing and they were gone. But another man who was there when Henry's brother arrived told me that Henry had left with his brother.
17. I was so surprised that Henry connected with his brother, who wanted to help him. Henry just needed a little help making that connection. I know that the issues Henry is facing are likely complex, but I'm thankful he had a brother to help him get off the street today.
18. This whole situation would have likely turned out very differently if someone had seen Henry sitting on the street with his pants pulled down and called the police.
19. In 2017, more than half of the arrests by Portland Police were of people who are homeless. Many times police are responding to calls regarding people who are living their lives on the streets and who have allegedly committed low-level offenses.
20. Portland is experiencing a homeless crisis. Think of ways you might be able to help our houseless neighbors. And when you are encountering people who are houseless, and can’t practically do much at that moment to help, remember to always treat people with dignity.
