Long Way From Home

I’ve been on and off the streets since I was eleven years old. In 1996, I lost my arm in a train accident. Life on the street has been rough — we sleep on the concrete, hang out anywhere and take each day as it comes. The only way I survive is by “flying a sign” on the exit ramp. I’m all messed up man... I’m sick, got HIV, Hepatitis A, B and C. I’ve been to every hospital in this city at least six times. After each hospital stay, they discharge me right back to homelessness. I wish I could live a long life, have a little money and be able to eat everyday. — Edward, New Orleans.