Quote:Thursday August 26, 2004

Yes, I am really a homeless person. I'm using the free computers at the library. My name is Bill Arnold, a reasonably intelligent, mostly healthy, 56 year old man. But, I have lived, survived on the streets of Atlanta for over 3 years now. Why? I am not sure why, maybe my age, maybe my lack of a degree. Maybe, because I work in sweat shops for pocket money. Who knows? I used to live well, just like you. Nice car, home, wife.

Now, I live in a dirty, filthy shelter with 400 assorted druggies, alcoholics, perverts, lunatics and criminals. There are 200 bunk beds for sleeping. I'm given one of them every night and glad to get it. The alternative is sleeping under a bridge. The shelter smells of body odors, feet, urine and funk, there are only 3 shower stalls. And there's the usual infestation of rats and roaches. A few fellows have been bitten by spiders.

As you can tell my life is miserable now, but I am thankful and glad to be alive. Several times over the years street people have threatened or attempted to take my life. By the Grace of God I am still with you all. Danger and fear go hand in hand when one is homeless, I must always be on alert for wacked-out crazies with a grudge and a weapon.

This is the reason for my e-mail to you. I am asking you personally for your help. Please listen a bit longer...Can you find it in your heart to help me out of this nightmare, it does not take much, just a few dollars so I can buy decent clothes, a cell phone for job hunting and a month in a hotel with a hot shower. This will enable me to do proper job interviews. I have been successful in the past. With your help, I can do it again.

If I can get myself presentable with a fresh haircut, new shoes, clothes (mine are worn out), a phone number and clean place for a month. I am positive I will land a good paying job. Thanks to you and your help, I will work my way off the mean streets and out of this madhouse shelter.

Please help me out? This is important and God will bless you for your kindness many times over. Also, I will send you personal e-mails telling you how I am progressing towards my goal to rejoin society. I have opened a free a PayPal account to accept help, simply click on the address below and send whatever amount you are comfortable with.

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God Bless, Bill Arnold