A Press-Telegram article by Staff Writer Greg Mellen reports that Anthony and Becka were placed in an apartment Tuesday night. I met the couple within weeks of beginning my street living adventure. Months down the road when I was introduced to them, one of them reminded me that we had already met. They were regulars at the Promenade arena or what I called The Fountain. The news article refers to her as Becky and it is possible I got her name wrong, especially since I did not remember being introduced to them.
Whenever I go to the Main library I would see Becky sitting on one of the walls or on the grass with Anthony at Lincoln Park in their spot. I would think about her often, simply wondering about her life. She and I never spoke much tho' I saw them often. Anthony and I had the same conversation time and again. He would say hello and I had no idea who he was. "You know me," he insisted, "Anthony."
He would ask for a cigarette, dollar or food. The last time I recall speaking to him was when I had a bag of food I did not want. Perhaps it was a tin of cookies someone gave me as a holiday gift and other goodies I knew I would not be using. I suggested sharing if he did not like the selection and he said something like he would be eating it all. With Becky of course!
The article says Becky became homeless eight years ago when she was age 51. Even when the Promenade was their home, she never left the area except for meals. I wondered if homelessness was her lifestyle, that she traded the Promenade for Lincoln Park, the sky the roof, the park being bedroom, living room and dining area. I would be so bored never straying from home and wondered if she was simply used to it or liked living that way.
Reading quotes in the article I believe she did not like it anymore than I did. She is delighted to be off the streets with a real bed and planned on cooking Christmas dinner. I did not know that Anthony had brain surgery due to an aneurysm in 2008. Their move from the streets to housing was made possible by Kingdom Causes that co-ordinates various charities resources to make it happen.
Happy Christmas to Anthony and Becka.
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