Sometimes I give money when people ask, sometimes I don't. But I never stop and talk. I don't want to intrude. And, frankly, I don't want to become friendly enough that I feel obligated to give more. But though I don't stop to talk, I always wonder. And imagine. What are the circumstances that brought this person here. What was their life like before they were on the streets?
One of the great things about my job is that I have the chance to ask these questions.
I made this story several years ago when we were doing a “Chicago Matters” series on money. I found Tyrone by talking to people at Pacific Garden Mission. They identified a few people and Tyrone was so comfortable with me and the camera that he was the obvious choice.
When it came time to find a place for this segment in “Jay's Chicago,” it was tough to know which of our themes was the best fit. ”Learning a Trade” had room. And Tyrone spoke a lot about all he had to learn to be an effective panhandler. I don't know how you feel about calling panhandling a “trade,” but there you have it.
