The Story of Caleb

Steven: “Hi, I’m Steven. What’s your name?”
Caleb: “Caleb. Nice to meet you.”

Steven: “Nice to meet you too, Caleb. We’re in New York City, right?”
Caleb: “Yeah, in Chelsea. It’s where I stick around most days. The galleries are nice to look at, and people here are a little more willing to spare a buck. Very nice people out here for sure.”

Steven: “That’s great to hear! How long have you been homeless?”
Caleb: “Almost four years now. Wow… saying it out loud sure makes me feel old.”

Steven: “What happened, if you’re okay sharing?”
Caleb: “It was a combination of things. I used to work in tech like web development, coding, stuff like that. I had a pretty good wage, but the pressure and long hours… I started using Adderall to keep up. Then it spiraled into harder stuff. Eventually, I lost my job, burned through my savings, broke ties with my family, and here I am.”

Steven: “I’m sorry to hear that… did you get proper treatment for your addiction?”
Caleb: “Yeah, I went to a drug rehab center a while ago…probably like a year…a little longer… and it took several tries like four or five from previous years, but I actually stick to it and now I am clean!”

Steven: “That’s amazing to hear. Drugs is a massive problem here for the homeless population, and they almost get tricked into using it because they have nothing else to turn to, so I’m glad you broke free from the cycle… do you still code?”
Caleb: “Yeah, when I can. I hang out at the library sometimes and use the computers there if they let me. They usually do but when it’s too crowded then they ask me to leave, but they respect me and I respect them. Currently, I’m working on this little app but it’s nothing fancy, just something to help people like me find resources in the city like pinpoint the locations of food pantries, shelters, clinics. Being homeless give me a sense of idea of what people have to go through, and before, I never really thought of it.”

Steven: “And that’s a problem because a lot of people tend to just ignore the homeless. I appreciate what you’re doing about your app…have you thought about pitching the app to someone?”
Caleb: “Not yet. It’s still rough, and I don’t have the connections anymore, but once I finish it, I think it’ll gain some traction.”

Steven: “With your talent, I’m sure someone will find you and appreciate it. You can contact me if you want me to help you promote it”
Caleb: (laughs) Yes, I’ll remember that. Thanks.

Steven: “Of course, I love what you’re doing…do you mind sharing the hardest part of being out here, like an euraka moment that made you realized the need to build the app. “
Caleb: “People don’t realize how easy it is to end up here. I don’t think anyone deserves to be out here because most people who are had either one bad month or one missed paycheck, and everything just becomes so overwhelming. Also, there really aren’t enough resources for the homeless and most of them are hidden. I’ve probably gotten kicked out over twenty times just trying to find a restroom.”

Steven: “That is true. They don’t know what happened to you can happen to them too, and I have an article about the need for more public restroom that are available to everyone. I definitely think we need more.”
Caleb: “You know…I’ve always been curious about the world, about people. It’s what got me into coding in the first place because I want to try to figure out how things work. Out here, it’s a different kind of curiosity. Like, what’s the next step? How do I climb out of this? It’s a challenge and I’m curious to see how I can get out. It might sound crazy, but I would like to think that five years from now, I’ll look back and appreciate what I went through because it changed my perspective.”

Steven: “That’s a very unique perspective, and I really like that mentality because…it shows that you haven’t given up, and instead, you take this as an opportunity to become better and more knowledgeable. That’s awesome “
Caleb: “Thanks but let’s me honest, there isn’t really much for us to do outhere. If we think negatively, it’s going to be even worse for us. I mean, we can’t really go downhill from here because we already lost everything, so the only way to go is up. That makes sense right?”

Steven: “Of course, I wish everyone who’s homeless has this mentality. I’m really glad you’re sharing this..man, that is a powerful mentality to have…Is there anything you do to pass the time?”
Caleb: “I sketch. Not people or anything complicated but just shapes, patterns. It helps me focus when my mind starts racing. I used to think in code because everything was logic and structure. Sketching is like that, but looser. It’s my way of organizing myself and my thoughts.”

Steven: “That’s fascinating. Have you always been into art?”
Caleb: “Not really. I stumbled into it after I became homeless. Someone left a sketchbook on a park bench, and I picked it up and funny story, I wasn’t allowed in the library that day because it was too crowded so I just started drawing then. That was the only time I’m glad the library was crowded,”

Steven: (laughs) “What’s something about you that would surprise people?”
Caleb: “I used to run marathons. I know, looking at me now, you wouldn’t guess it, but I was big into running. It cleared my head, gave me a sense of purpose. I haven’t run in years, but sometimes I dream about it like I’m flying down the streets while blasting Katy Perry on play and no weight on my shoulders.”

Steven: “I love Katy Perry too! Her songs are amazing, especially California Girls…Do you think you’ll run again?”
Caleb: “I hope so. It’s hard out here, though. My body’s not in great shape, and I’ve got bad knees now, but if I ever do get back on my feet… both literally and figuratively, I would love to start again.”

Steven: “Literally and figuratively… that’s clever!”
Caleb: (laughs) “thanks”

Steven: “If you had three wishes, what would they be?”
Caleb: “First, I’d wish for just a roof over my head and some breathing room so I can have my own space. Second, I’d wish for my app to actually help people. My last wish would be a second chance. To make things right with my family, to rebuild what I lost. I know I can’t go back, but I want to move forward.”

Steven: “Caleb, thank you for sharing your story. You’ve been through so much and you’ve overcame so many things like your drug addiction, and that’s something you should be proud of”
Caleb: “Thanks and thank you for taking time and sharing this interview.”