Olympia, WA (10-20-19)– Tahoe, a friend of mine, has had an eventful life that included homelessness on the streets of Olympia.. Despite his impoverished circumstances and limited resources, Tahoe tends to be a strong advocate for personal responsibility and boundaries…sometimes even a bit of a curmudgeon. e.g. He doesn’t feel sorry for those who won’t work to improve their lot in life. He doesn’t believe they’re ‘entitled’ to other people’s $ or “everything for everybody”.
Tahoe Jones, gentleman tramp
Twitter: JustCandling
1964:
I was on my own for two days at the NY worlds fair. age 11.
“Here’s $10, Meet me at the Unisphere at 5:00”, from my dad.
He was seeing a girlfriend. I didn’t find out until I was 30.
It was life changing for an eleven year old.
The stage was set for my future.
1964 World Fair, NYNY1964 World Fair, NYNY
I spent most of my life as a Limousine driver.
TJ’s limo
I became depressed and suicidal in 2010.
Then unexpected money showed up.
I decided I could help on the street.
First incarnation as I learned how to…
TJ’s limo bike
Second incarnation.
2nd IncarnationScotch Broom for coverForest ShelterTJ’s Occupy Olympia shelter @ Heritage ParkTJ’s voluntary arrest in ad hoc downtown Olympia homeless shelter, courtesy of Union Gospel Mission’s notification to the authorities
I had already been cleaning the street,
from Capital to Cherry on fourth a year or so.
Down to paper matches. Tens of 1,000’s cigarette butts.
TJ’s street cleanupTJ’s 1st Percival Landing setupTJ’s 2nd Percival Landing setup
Final Percival habitat. Setup after 11:00 every night. Tear down, back to the street every morning. this config worked great. Those gates on the restrooms, were because of me. (background) They spent $3,000 each, both sides.
final Percival Landing homeless habitat
Packed for travel. Various stages.
TJ’s bike yachtTJ’s bike yachtTJ’s bike yacht downtown OlyTJ’s bike yacht @ Percival Landing
Si vis pacem para bellum