Homeless Alley Hang-out off U Street Now Fenced in!
Wednesday, April 2nd, 2008
No greater foe do the homeless have than a Long or Hercules fence. Just as the Watha T. Daniel Library used to be the hang out for homeless people prior to it being fenced in for construction (long before construction), the lot next to the neon green Bratton Realty house that used to house the most festive homeless gatherings is now fenced in. I was shocked to see this on my way from the U Street metro station. I was so used to walking past this lot, where one infamous bearded homeless man and often his many comrades would gather on their own shabby furniture, as if it was their living room. They’d have a radio going and, quite often, a small fire was blazing (that always made me uneasy!). Sometimes joined by a couple ladies, they seemed to be having a terrific time. I, on the other hand, was usually a little paranoid walking past. I never wanted to look directly at them, let alone take their pictures (I was tempted, though). Anyway, the weekend before last, I saw a van parked outside the alley and the bearded man had some of his possessions and seemed kind of agitated. Perhaps they were taking him somewhere? I dunno. But, farewell. The city needs to provide better services for the homeless, but that piece of property was not it. I’m not sure why they were allowed to hang out there for so long, but I hope they get the help they need. Big question is what is going to go inside the fence now?
