So, I’m the new journalist and storyteller at GiveSafe. What does that mean? Sometimes, it simply means wandering the streets by myself, seeking stories of individuals struggling with homelessness.

On Tuesday, the torrential rain was making it difficult to find brave souls to speak with. I decided to throw in the towel and try again later, but, as I was heading back to the bus stop, I saw a man sitting on his walker nearby. Wearing dark sunglasses and a big black fedora, he had a demeanor like he had just exited a jazz concert. He was just staring ahead, watching people pass. He seemed perfectly content just sitting there watching the day go by. I wondered why.

We smiled and nodded to each other as I passed, and I continued on my way. I walked about a block, debating on whether or not to go back and chat with him.

Often when I’m trying to decide to talk to someone on the street, my nerves get the better of me and I keep on with my day. But this time was different; something inside told me to go back. So I laid down my fear of rejection or awkwardness and turned back.

“If this conversation goes weird, I can just walk. I won’t ever see this person again.” I told myself.

I approached him and asked if we could chat. I told him I liked his hat and he grinned, “This is just my rain gear. You should see me when I’m looking nice.”

Lee was a former artist at Disney, an aspiring musician, and he eventually tried his hand at construction. Sixteen years ago, Lee arrived in Seattle from Detroit, with only 17 cents in his pocket. He was homeless for three years.

Finally, he nailed a construction job where they gave him housing as well. One night, stumbling into his sleeping quarters drunk, he made a mistake — he punched an employee in the face. He was promptly fired, forced back to the streets, and later had his foot amputated as a result of severe diabetes.

Today, Lee is disabled and walking is a struggle. But he is a beautiful artist. He is no longer homeless because a local church helped him find an apartment.

He told me he’d show me one of his paintings hanging in the lobby of his apartment if I would walk back with him. Sure enough, we got there and there was a masterpiece hanging on the wall (see above). I asked to see more of his work, and he showed me a piece he’s working on for his cousin. He then said that if I told him a few of my interests, he would draw a piece for me.

Lee said to me as I was leaving, “I’m very passionate that people in your generation find what you love to do and do it well. It’s your world now, I’m just here watching it.”

Though Lee is no longer homeless, he gave me insight about trying to know those without a home:

“Take my foot for example, I could describe the pain, but you’ve never had it cut off so you don’t know what it feels like. I could sit here and tell you all about being homeless, but you won’t ever fully understand my situation because you’ve never been in it.”

–Michaela @ GiveSafe