After 21 years with US Steel, drugs and alcohol have left Michael homeless. (photo: Reed)
StreetWise magazines, I support it. I have seen how Street Sense here in DC has changed the lives of many individuals here in DC. Michael was telling me that he was deserving of the $10 because of the hardships of his life.
So to give you an idea how this went down, I was filming Alexander and just let the camera running when Michael rolled up and started talking to me. Here is the raw unedited (with the exception of one part where we were interrupted) video from that conversation.
Michael said he goes daily to the labor lines in search of day work. “I get work probably once a week,” he told me.
Michael showed me the scars from where he was shot in Seattle. (photo: Reed)
He also told me that he survived a shooting in Seattle. Michael explained that it resulted from an incident where some other man pulled up the skirt of the woman he was with. He stood up for her and ended up getting shot six times. Michael pulled up his shirt to show me the wounds.
Michael's seatless bicycle (photo: Reed)
Right as I was packing up my stuff, another guy named Tim came by and also asked for money. What is going on here? Did someone tweet that a crazy guy was handing out money at Michigan and Randolph? Anyway, I politely told Tim no and headed home.
On my way home a filmed the following video debrief.
Tomorrow, it’s back to DC.
Year of Giving 
I wonder why Mike doesn’t have a pension – he seems to be from the era where they existed. Who knows. Very sad.
Can I just add that I am glad you are coming home & off the streets of Chicago [well off the streets in the middle of the night] – we are worried about you!
Have a safe trip.