Backpacking around PDX
Now unhoused, Mike discusses his financial woes associated with delayed unemployment benefits, as well as his astonishment at the vast numbers of Queer people living on the streets.
This transmission might be a little slow since I’m relying on Wi-Fi because my phone has been shut off, but I’ve got an active fundraiser going for anyone who wants to help me get it back on so I can keep documenting just how homeless I am.
Right now, I’m out in the lovely suburb of Gresham, Oregon, at this beautiful Mexican place I found called El Indio. Honestly, the only reason I’m even out here in the suburbs is because I was trying to get to the unemployment center so I could finally get some money, but as you can see, there’s nobody there. I made the trip all the way to Gresham for nothing—well, except for this wonderful restaurant, so the day has been fabulous so far.
To answer the questions coming in: yes, I am temporarily homeless. I have an apartment lined up in the Lloyd District, and the application is in, but it’s a total shit storm right now because I’m still waiting on PGE for proof of income. It has been a really rough three weeks trying to manage this apartment situation. If anyone out there can lend me about $70 to get my phone turned back on, I will love you and pay you back in a couple of weeks when my unemployment check arrives.
I’m about to use the last of my money to grab some lunch here because they’re supporting some fabulous people for Gresham City Council, and I think that’s great. But listen, this struggle is exactly why I’m starting Crimson Rouge Studios. The Crimson House is going to serve as a homeless shelter for queer people like me who have been illegally evicted for no goddamn reason—whether it’s because of shitty ex-boyfriends, stupid roommates, or mental health issues. If you can’t donate money, please consider volunteering or spreading the word via poppy.com so people know what we’re trying to do with this work.
I’m going to head back inside now, but I hope you guys are having a great Friday. Please be safe out there and take care of each other—goddamn it, take care of each other. Coming to you live from Gresham, this is Mike George. Have a fabulous weekend, y’all!
