James
Posted by invisiblepeople | Filed under face and voice of homelessness
Seattle’s homeless encampment (dubbed “Nickelsville” after Seattle’s mayor) is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Sure, it’s a tent city. But it is also a community in every sense of the word. But, unlike most communities, Nickelsville is at the mercy of the city of Seattle. Already this year, Nickelsville has been bulldozed seven times and forced to relocate. When I was there, they had been in the same location for ten days straight (a record). At their last location, they were only there four days before being forced to move.
If you think it’s hard to remain cheerful when you’re constantly being uprooted, you’re right. Which is why I found James so interesting. When I met him, he was building a kitchen table out of shipping pallets. Although he moved here from Jackson, Mississippi looking for work, James was still unemployed when we spoke. If not for Nickelsville, he believes he’d be up living under a bridge.
I am so happy to tell you that James did find work the day after this video was filmed. He found a job working as a forklift operator (and he didn’t even have to move to Alaska… you’ll have to watch video to smooth that one out!).
This is just the first in a series of interview with residents of Nickelsville. If you’d like to learn more about the this tent city community, take a look at this Whrrl story.
June 22nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
[...] on invisiblepeople.tv from his visit to Nickelsville last week. Listen to James talk about his community, and think about if you feel this connection to your own neighbors…and be sure to check out [...]
June 23rd, 2009 at 11:42 am
[...] People, I’ve learned much about the human condition. We truly are all connected. Watch James and hear about his simple desire to have a safe and loving community where everyone gets fed and [...]
June 28th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Amazing! When asked what his 2 wishes were, they were for other homeless people (not himself) He had to add a third wish to include HIS wish!
JOY = Jesus first, Others second, Yourself last…
January 6th, 2010 at 1:23 pm
This country is so STUPID, they won't let people live in tents in order to get on their feet. They would rather them run around for all eternity on the streets, always being shoowed away until they lose their minds, beyond return. Would you rather have a productive mindful American or an American who is needy for the rest of their lives?
January 6th, 2010 at 1:27 pm
I am really thrilled that Nickelsville exists. I just don't like to hear about it getting bulldozed. If you have cell phones or cameras, I would totally film them doing that and put it on YOUTUBE.