Yes, Marvin has been drinking. If you were homeless on the streets of Denver dying of cancer, you’d be drinking too to cope with the trauma of reality. In the middle of this interview, Marvin lifted his shirt to show me his back where he had three skin grafts. I didn’t pan the camera down because it just didn’t feel right to do so but what I saw was disturbing. Marvin has a giant hole in his back, unlike anything I have ever seen.
Marvin is a kind man. I stopped to talk to him every time I saw Marvin out panhandling. This evening, he told me he has cancer. We started to talk more. Marvin has many health issues! He needs to be in housing but sadly, there is little housing available for those who need it most!
Marvin spent eight years in the military. he says he know receives $230 a month in disability. No one can afford to live much less rent an apartment on that amount of money!
Marvin is vulnerable and fragile. He is an easy target for people who steal from elderly homeless people. The night before, Marvin had everything he owned ripped off. I helped him get some things including a duffle bag to carry his belongings, but Marvin needs housing!
Your voice can help end homelessness. If we do not fix the affordable housing crisis, homelessness will continue to get worse. Click here to tweet, email, call, or Facebook your federal and state legislators to tell them ending homelessness and creating more affordable housing is a priority to you.
Special thanks to Mayors and CEOs for US Housing Investment.
