Trying to get money just part of it

For the homeless, every day is a struggle.

By David Lanier Special To The Daily Record

Posted: May 21, 2009 at 6 a.m.

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Editor’s note: This is the fifth in a series of stories exploring homelessness in northwest Arkansas. The stories are written by David Lanier, a former sports editor of The Benton County Daily Record, who has been homeless for the better part of the past five years.

“Give me your tired, your poor Your huddled masses yearning, the homeless, tempest-tost to me. I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”

That inscription for the Statue of Liberty beacons a haven for the hopes and dreams of the homeless.

For some who live in tents to seek shelter from the storms of life, all they really care about is where they’re going to eat.

But others seek money.

When asked what he plans to do on Christmas, one “panhandler” retorted, “Begging. That’s a $1,000 day. You won’t get a cent the day after Christmas.”

This attitude may not be the prevalent inspiration for every homeless resident in northwest Arkansas, but it provides a glimpse into the motivation of the signholders on the ramps of the interstate.

When informed about the scope of the mission to write about homelessness, the Montana native responded, “Just don’t reveal where people’s campsites are, or (the police will) start poking around.”

Indeed, the majority of indigent campers who can’t afford rent and utilities just want some privacy.

A misconception some may harbor when trying to provide some friendly advice is that there’s free room and board at The Salvation Army shelter.

“People think you can stay for free,” the aforementioned drifter said. “They charge you.”

Another friend who has been homeless for 10 years seeks employment at temporary agencies to earn enough money to stay in motels during inclement weather, but the majority of the time he stays in his “campgrounds” in the woods.

“I can stay warm by sleeping in a small tent which is inside my larger tent,” Jerry said. “Plus, I have insulated sleeping bags.”

Coming Friday: Two homeless people who attempted surviving in the wilds of some Bentonville woods much prefer camping in Fayetteville.

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