Measuring Life by Minutes...

“So, what’s up with all the cell phones?”

            I hear the question frequently.  Visitors to the Homeless Center are sometimes perplexed by the prevalence of cell phones.  There are times in the day when this place sounds like a ring tone fair!

            I suppose people figure that either the homeless have no money for cell phones;.  Or, if they do have some cash, why are they spending their scarce resources on a luxury item like a cell phone?  Put that money toward rent or food!!

            I won’t try to defend or rationalize how the homeless spend the money they have, but I will offer a few thoughts on why they might value the cell phones.

            1.  It’s their primary link to their own community.  Since social isolation is a known depressant, I can understand their need for contact.  I have the same need.

            2.  Since they have no fixed abode with a landline, their best way to be contacted by providers or family is via cell phone.  As someone who doesn’t use a landline anymore, I can understand that element, as well.

            3.  Like the rest of us, hearing your phone ring is a quick boost to self-esteem.   Cell phones tell the world, “Someone wants me!”  Since a quick descent into presumed insignificance is the typical plight of virtually all homeless people, any little thing which conveys a sense of self-worth is embraced, even if it’s just a ring tone.

            Are these three things worth the price of the phone?  Apparently, the answer is  Yes.  How people spend their money, whether a lot or a little, is always an indicator of their priorities in life, what they need to get through the day.

            By the way, while many people today use fancy smartphones, believe me, the homeless generally use bottom of the line throwaways.  They’re often out of minutes,  scraping a few dollars to buy a few more.  Measuring life by minutes – that’s how it is for the homeless.