Anyone and everyone connected to homelessness in San Diego knows “Waterman Dave”. Dave Ross, who most people call Waterman Dave, spends his days handing out bottles of water to people experiencing homelessness. Dave also advocates for our homeless friends in big ways. A few years past he successfully sued the city over people’s belonging. That lawsuit created a temporary storage facility. Dave was also instrumental in getting the seasonal emergency shelter extended, and he is currently battling to keep a few portable bathrooms open.
Dave is almost larger-than-life. As he walks and drives though San Diego’s worst neighborhoods, Dave almost has a draft effect of smiles. People who are down on their luck, living in small tent communities all over downtown, see Dave and know that for at least a moment they’ll get a bottle of water and friendly conversation.
Dave had a rough life growing up in Detroit, which he credits as a foundation for giving back. He then managed car dealerships in Los Angeles, but after a heart attack and a stroke, he relocated to San Diego and started to volunteer at a local homeless services agency. It was while working at that agency as a case manager that David gave out his first bottle of water to a woman on he streets, and the rest is history.
This interview was recorded with Google Glass. Google picked Invisible People for their Explorer program, so we are still trying to figure out the best use to bring you the story of homelessness. It does give a different “point of view” feel. We would love to hear your feedback on how we can make better use of Google Glass.
Special thanks to Homelessness News San Diego
