"Shoeless" Joe Jackson
Proving that mental illness is a huge cause of homelessness, the New York City man given boots on a cold night is once again shoeless. Very sad, but anyone whose ever worked with the mentally ill is not surprised...
Now however, Hillman is back to being barefoot claiming the boots are too expensive.
Speaking with the NY Times, Hillman, 54 told them “Those shoes are hidden. They are worth a lot of money. I could lose my life.” Hillman says that because of the street violence between homeless people, wearing the expensive boots puts him in danger.
What this man, and countless others across the country needs, is psychiatric help. Many are calling him ungrateful, but I don't agree with that assessment. He's repeatedly expressed his gratitude towards the police officer through the media. Unfortunately, his current mindset does not allow for him to make rational decisions.
What would be nice is if leaders and the media looked at the real causes of homelessness and tried to find solutions to these problems, instead of taking isolated cases and making them into internet sensations (*see Ted Williams: the homeless man with the golden voice)...
Homeless man with new boots goes back to barefoot
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