Outside Garrett's Popcorn on Randolph, I found a man holding a cup and smiling at passerbys. This poor fella had been standing there all day, inhaling the delicious scent of rich caramel and cheesy popcorn. I'd probably only make it 10 minutes before busting through the door and diving headfirst into the giant tubs of popcorn goodness, so I decided he was absolutely deserving of some goodies.
Jessie has been homeless for about three months. A year ago, he lost his job as a cashier at a grocery store when the store went out of business (I forget the name of the store- that's what happens when I wait three days to write things down). He collected unemployment for six months, and then about three months after that ran out of funds and had to move out. He's been searching for jobs steady for the past year, but hasn't been able to find one yet. He visits Harold Washington Library every day to search and apply for postings online, and also visits the unemployment office twice each week to see what's new on the job board there.
I asked Jessie where he stays at night, and he said there is a free homeless shelter on California Ave. I'm going to have to do some research on this one and potentially share it with some of my Give and Bake friends- no one I have come across before seems to have heard of it. Most people either save up the $20 for the shelter downtown, or they ride the train all night at the risk of being arrested. Jessie echoed others sentiments in saying that the shelter downtown is not a good place to be. In addition to the bed bugs, there is also a major theft problem. I'm so glad he Jessie is savvy enough to have found a safe place to sleep.
Jessie said he doesn't have any family, and also doesn't have any friends. He said he is a loner and has never been good at making friends, which shocked me a bit as he has terrific people skills. He was very friendly with everyone who walked by, and even ran out of his way to open the door for someone in a wheelchair. You'd think that would be common courtesy for anyone, especially those hoping to collect loose change, but you'd be surprised. Some of the people I have met through this project stand idly by while watching others struggle to open the door with a baby in a stroller, etc. That's why it seemed strange that this kind gentleman would have any difficulty at all making friends or even finding another job. But persistence and patience always seem to pay off, so if he keeps at it, I'm sure his personality will keep shining and eventually an employer will recognize what he could offer their organization.
A quick update on Linda from last week- I chatted with her briefly again on Friday. She remembered me immediately and gave me a big hug. Linda's been a busy beaver in the week since I last talked to her! She told me that she found an apartment on the south side for $79/month. She's $20 shy and asked me for it. I felt terrible saying no, but I think it's probably best not to give my new friends money until I'm 100% sure that it's going towards something legit. It's not that I don't trust her, but I just know I can be quite a gullible one. So I instead asked her if she has gotten her ID yet. She did actually get her birth certificate, so now she is ready to get her state ID. I'm going to meet up with her sometime this week and we'll go together to get her an ID and hopefully on her way to a job.
Peanut Butter Cup Treats
- 1 3/4 c flour
- 1/2 c white sugar
- 1/2 c brown sugar (packed)
- 1/2 c peanut butter
- 1/2 c flour
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- Approx 40 frozen mini peanut butter cups
Cream together butter, sugar, peanut butter, and brown sugar until thoroughly mixed. Beat in the eggs, vanilla, and milk. Add in the flour, salt, and baking soda- beat until well blended. Shape into balls and place into mini muffin tins (balls should be a bit smaller than the tin size). Bake for approximately 7 minutes on 375 degrees. While they are baking, unwrap the peanut butter cups. When the treats are done baking, let cool for a minute or two (this will help prevent cracking) and then press one peanut butter cup down into each treat. Carefully remove from the pan- I've found the best way is to gently pop each one out with a butter knife.
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