Alley Boys: Getting It Together, Overcoming Obstacles

Over the years, Teddy has continually “slipped through the cracks” by somehow never managing to fully complete whatever paperwork he needs to meet even the most basic requirements for public aid – like a state ID card.

Apparently, there are plenty of public resources available to continually run a 63 year old man with physical and mental disabilities through the Cook County Jail system for petty crimes – often for long periods of time – and yet, somehow, not a single person ever manages to help Teddy complete even the most basic paperwork, which would greatly increase his chances of success upon release.

This morning, Teddy and I began the process of getting him into the “system” by going to St. Peter’s to see about getting him an ID, and a caseworker – both good first-steps for getting his life together. “Having an ID is just like having a key that can open many doors,” Teddy concluded.

We’re ultimately aiming to at least have the cataracts removed from his eyes, and if all goes well, getting him a little apartment.

Yesterday we agreed to meet at Talkers’ Park at around 8:00 am. And, right on time, Teddy came walking up.

“Why are you wearing hospital pants, Teddy?” I asked as he strolled down the sidewalk. Teddy instantly replied, “I was in the Cook County Morgue due to acute alcohol intoxication. The Medical Examiner’s Office decided to let me back out just this morning.”

Teddy – he never misses a beat! I finished the last sip of my coffee, and then we headed down State St. towards St. Peter’s on Madison.

We arrived at St. Peter’s around 8:30 am thinking we would have to stand in line, only to find the place eerily quiet. St. Peter’s offers multiple services for homeless people, including giving people a mailing address where they can receive mail.

Once we got inside, we discovered why things were so quiet…

Teddy and I had talked about all the roadblocks and obstacles we would have to overcome if he truly wanted help getting medical care and housing. Well, right out of the gate, Teddy encountered his first obstacle.

…CLOSED WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE!

“See what I mean? There’s always something getting in the way, and then I give up,” said Teddy after getting back outside. I told him that I’d come down again first thing in the morning, and we’d try again.

While we didn’t accomplish what Teddy had originally set out to do today, we did set him up with a Gmail account. We’ll try St. Peter’s again in the morning.