A Simple Celebrity by tara puckey freelance

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A Simple Celebrity by Tara Puckey He’s a celebrity of sorts, protected from the weather by a warm green coat and puffy black gloves. His smile is contagious and the deep laugh that escapes him overpowers the soft jingling of Christmas music as it filters through the well-worn van. People shout his name as the van slowly approaches—many know him. Their breath hits the chilly air and puffs little clouds of steam at the windows. The lettering that marks the vehicle—Homeless Veterans Outreach Program—has drawn people from their blanketed tents and close conversations. The driver’s window rolls down slowly and Mike Williams leans out into the cold. “You guys veterans?” he asks, pauses, and then asks again. Two men step closer and explain that they are, although their circumstances are complicated. Williams pushes the door open and steps onto the streets to do what he came for—to help. Williams began working for Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) more than 10 years ago, but has been focused on their outreach program for the last seven. “HVAF wanted to start outreach in 2002,” Williams says. “Some people recommended me for the job because I knew the streets as someone who used to be homeless myself. I’ve been doing it ever since.” The program, one of many offered by the foundation, sends workers into the city streets to provide veterans with food, clothing and personal hygiene items. Workers also assist in obtaining supportive housing and explaining benefits the veterans may be eligible for. Each day, Williams scours homeless spots and lends himself to local missions where veterans go to seek other services. As a Vietnam veteran, Williams can better understand many of the people he helps, making his job easier. “I’m the guy that sees the veterans before they get into our system, whether it is out in the missions or on the streets,” says Williams. “It’s my job to just let them know what’s available for them.” Even with the programs offered by HVAF and other veteran resource programs, many are reluctant to leave the streets. Some prefer the lifestyle they have grown accustomed to, others don’t want to follow the rules set forth in assisted housing and, as Williams knows, are simply distrustful of the government and assistance offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). “These vets,” says Williams, “can be so distrustful of the VA because of their experiences. That just makes them want to camp out.” According to HVAF, there are roughly 900 homeless veterans on the streets of Indianapolis each night. They are veterans of all wars and times—veterans like Keith, who lives in the shadow of the massive Lucas Oil Stadium, an ironic symbol of affluence and success. On the streets since August of 2008, the 48-year-old has made his home in a tent along the river. A ravine tangled with brush and branches is his front door and he shares living space and beef jerky with a curious fox. He smells of firewood and burning leaves and is bundled in a sweatshirt, jeans and a jacket. The faint scent of sausage remains from his most recent meal, cooked over a fire that serves many purposes.

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Williams sometimes visits him three times a week, providing food, water and other necessities from the foundation. Last week, Keith’s bike was stolen. Williams was quick with a replacement. “He brings me what I need and it means a lot,” says Keith. “There’s a lot of bad people out here so the good ones really stand out.” Originally from Kentucky, the veteran moved to be closer to family that has not welcomed him into their homes. “It’s tough,” Keith says, “but it’s not the end of the world just because you don’t have a home. It ain’t bad. Not to me.” Despite the challenges he faces as part of the homeless population—beatings, robberies, hunger—Keith insists that there are those less fortunate than him. “I got my discharge papers, but I don’t go places if I don’t need to,” he says. “I know one day I’ll need it, but until that day comes, I’ll let them help other people who need it more.” He explains that he is satisfied with his life and, although it can be lonely at times, he appreciates being able to come and go as he pleases. The man, whose blunt way of thinking brings out more hearty laughs from Williams, does want something though—a tipi. “If I had a tipi,” says Keith through small bouts of laughter, “I could put my fire inside and have my morning coffee without even getting out of bed.” He plans to use cardboard and plastic to block the wind and hold in some heat during cold nights. The only things he has yet to figure out are some final plans and finding the manpower to get it standing. Williams offers to help with supplies for the project and they carry on small talk as Keith chooses necessities from the back of the van. “I’m in pretty good humor today,” Keith says. “It is rough out here sometimes but all in all, if you just take it as it comes to you and try to keep your attitude, you’ll be alright.” Then, with a few bottles of water in tow, he disappears quietly back down the ravine just as the sun peeks over the stadium.

One Response to “A Simple Celebrity” 1.

r4i software says: January 13, 2010 at 12:27 am This is nice article you share very nice information with us I am very glad to read this one Thank you for sharing this information with us.

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