Shelter Kid
By:
Jon Stewart
(© 2021 by the author)
The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's
consent. Comments are appreciated at...
jstewart@tickiestories.us
Chapter 29
Pops, Josh, Jennie, Billy, and Becky were all loaded up in the van ride to the homes for the homeless meeting. Jesse, Val, and his dad followed in Jack Harvey’s car. The meeting went very well. Father Rick, Luke, Mr. Tully (the city councilman), Mrs. Banks from homeless social services, and all the tradesmen really liked Jesse’s idea for the stepped trailer, two-bedroom apartments with solar energy. When they heard the expected cost, they were astonished; it was so low. Jack Harvey said the biggest single expense would be the demolition of the existing building. Finding landfill sites that would accept demolition refuse was not easy and those that existed charged a small fortune. Derrick asked if that could be lessened if a lot of the demolition like gypsum wall material was done by workers. Jack said there could actually be a big saving if workers pulled the copper and steel piping, as there was a big salvage market for that material. Luke thought homeless folks could help out with that work as well as finish work (painting, molding, stuff like that.) Jesse, Josh, Derrick, and all the young people said that was the kind of work they could do with the homeless people. Mr. Tully, the councilman was concerned by the type of person who would get the housing. Josh and Luke spoke up. Most of the homeless were not drug addicts or criminals, but people who had a hard break in life. Josh said of course, there should be rules for the house, like no drugs and being in a work-training program of some type. Billy chipped in that the work-training program was what got him and his mom out of the shelter with the help of Jack Harvey and Pops. Jack said Annie was an extremely valued worker in his company and it was one of the best decisions he ever made; he was going to call Luke when another vacancy opened up. Mrs. Banks raised the question everyone was concerned with, of financing, of course. Jack Harvey said he could come up with a detailed estimate but expected the project to be under a million dollars, likely more like $750,000. Luke said the cost to city for a single person in the shelter system was about $35,000 a year. Mrs. Banks agreed with that cost. So, at maximum capacity of 20 people the saving of $700,000 for the shelter system would just about pay for itself in the first year. Certainly, it would be paid off in the second year. The solar electricity should be enough to keep the building off the grid and supply heat, hot water, and air conditioning by using air pumps. The cost to run the building would be practically nothing. Everyone was really enthused, especially Mr. Tully and Mrs. Banks. They said they would need a firm estimate of the cost and then take it to the city council. Mr. Tully felt strongly that he could get the city to finance the project and, if successful, a whole bunch more going forward. Luke joked “I got 2 kids to feed – Do you think I should be looking for a new line of work.” Mrs. Banks said not to worry he would always have a job with her. With that ‘Homes for the Homeless’ was officially launched.
The next week or so was filled with work on the project. Jesse, Val, and Jack Harvey developed cost analyses. Josh, Billy, Jeanie, and Becky were working on a criteria and questionnaire for selecting the homeless participants. Drug tests were a big part of the screening process, as well as being in a work training class so they could support themselves once in the new apartment. Father Rick, Derrick, and the youth group were working on fund raising ideas. Luke, Mr. Tully, and Mrs. Banks were working on getting the city’s approval to use the building site and secure funding for the project. The goal was to at some point to return the building to a revenue- producing (real estate taxes) property. The bureaucracy and accounting were never-ending. One greedy official wanted to know who was going to pay the back taxes due on the building. It was decided that the property could be foreclosed on by the tax department. They then would sell it to the homeless agency. The homeless agency would use a bond initiative to secure financing for the building. The city council and the mayor had to sign off on the bond initiative. The building department had to review the plans to make sure the building would meet code. To put up the building required a variance to the zoning laws which meant that the neighborhood would be canvassed to approve the project. For sure Luke, Mr. Tully, and Mrs. Banks had their hands full.
The next meeting had Jesse and Jack Harvey deliver their detailed cost estimate of $743,562. Mr. Tully said that was a reasonable number. Jack said the real cost saving was in building the units off-site in a controlled environment, as well as the inexpensive shell of the old trailers. Mr. Tully was sure he could get the council to approve.
Mr. Tully, Mrs. Banks, and Luke went before the council. Hard questions were asked and answered. What assurances could the agency give that the property would be revenue producing going forward. Luke took that one. “Members of the council, we really don’t know the future. I mean if any one of us could predict the future I expect we would run out to the racetrack and earn our living there. However, this I can say. We have had very good results on our work-training programs. Feedback indicates that close to 90% of those who complete the courses get jobs and become productive members of society. These people do not want charity. They want to work and pay their fair share. The agency will provide free rent until the client is working; once that happens rent will be expected and paid at 30% of their income. Clients will be screened to ensure drugs are not an issue and draining resources from the client; that should be going back to the agency. Single people on disability will live 4 to a unit and 30 % of their disability will go for rent. I expect the property to be able to pay property taxes and be making mortgage payments after the first 2 years of operation. The benefits are huge; the city gets 20 people out of the shelters saving $700,000 a year and gets a taxable producing property that pays off the mortgage to build the property plus you get the public relations benefit and you go to sleep knowing you have helped 20 people restore their lives.” With that Luke sat down. Mr. Tully congratulated Luke with a “WELL SAID”. Then the council voted. The approval to proceed with the project was unanimously approved.
Luke had Josh help with the screening process. Sweat equity was expected and given as the clients with the help of the youth group, as well, as Josh, Billy, Jesse, Jennie, Becky, Val and Ty all worked to clean out the building, salvaging copper pipe and wire. Cake sales and dinner fund raisers were held so lunches and refreshments could be had by the workers. Josh got Coach Mathews to agree to a charity game against Derrick and his team.
Tickets were $5.00 apiece and they drew a crowd of over 500. The small St. Francis gym was packed to the rafters. It seemed all rooting for their CYO champs. The small contingent of Hopewell team family & friends were easily drowned out by the enthusiastic, St. Francis supporters. The stands exploded when St Francis scored, and a few weak cheers were heard went Hopewell scored. Derrick, Paul, and all the St. Francis player were a tough scrappy team. Derrick matched up well against Jesse in the low post, and Paul knew what to expect from Josh. The Hopewell High team, although state champs, were in a tough fight. Time and again Josh went to feed Jesse in the post only to have a quicker Derrick front Jesse and steal the ball for a fast break. Down 8 points at the beginning of the 3rd quarter coach Mathews decided to bench Josh for Bobby Edwards and go to the trap defense. It worked well and Bobby was able to get Hopewell back in the game and up by 2 points by the end of the quarter. The St. Francis coach saw what was happening and made adjustments to pass over the trapping press. Halfway through the 4th quarter, again St Francis was up by 5 points. Coach Mathews called time and substituted Josh for Bobby. “Jesse, on offense you are going to set screens for Josh out at the 3-point line and Josh you are going to get free and hit your shots. That kid, Paul, might be a friend but not now, not in this game. If Derrick switches to you, Josh, then look to Jesse rolling to the basket. Jesse, you gotta hit your shots over Paul.” Coach Mathews’ strategy worked well, and Hopewell had closed to 1 point at the 1-minute mark. Josh had hit 2 - 3 pointers and passed to Jesse for 2 layin’s over Paul. At the 40 second mark Derrick missed a jump shot but was fouled by Jesse. Derrick made 1 of the 2 free throws. Hopewell was now down 2. On the rebound Josh and Jesse both raced up the court beating Derrick and Jesse got Hopewell even at the 20 second mark. Paul in bounded to Derrick who was trapped in the corner by Mutt and Josh. Derrick passed to Paul who took a long 2-point jumper. He scored. The stands went crazy. There was 8 seconds left. Coach Mathews called his last time out. Hopewell now down 2. Just like the game against Madville, Coach asked who wants the last shot. They all looked to Josh.
“What do you think, Josh?” Coach asked.
“I don’t know, Coach.” Josh replied.
“How about the old triple screen, we haven’t run that yet.”
“It’ll be close, Coach, not much time.”
”Well Josh, you are just going to have to run faster.”
“Want me to run for ya?“ Bobby Edwards asked.
“Ok, these guys aren’t gonna mug me. I’ll be fast as lighting.”
They all laughed knowing Josh was a great player but lost every race in practice.
Bobby in-bounded the ball at half court to Josh then ran to set the 3rd screen. Josh raced past passed Jesse and Paul bounced off Jesse like a rubber ball. But Derrick switched to cover Josh everyone knew Josh was going to take the last shot. Josh ran Derrick into unmovable Mutt and Josh was free behind Bobby. The shot went up the horn sounded the end of the game. For the second it took for the ball to get to the basket the gym was eerily silent. Josh ran up the court. He never stood and watched. The ball hit the back rim then the front rim and then fell though. A ghostly sigh went out from the St. Francis fans. The 30 or so Hopewell rooters let out as big a cheer as they could. Josh was mobbed by his teammates. Derrick, Paul, and the rest of the St. Francis team came over to Josh. Derrick said “Dang, you’re good.”
Typically, Josh said, “Wow you and your whole team played great. What a game!!”
Congratulations and handshakes and hugs were given all around. Father Rick came to center court and thanked all the players for a very thrilling and exciting game.
He said “All of you that came to the game, I want to thank you as well, and you sure did get your money’s worth. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose. You know when I was a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I rooted for a baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers who seemed to lose to the Yankees every year in the World Series. We had a saying at the end of each season. It was “Wait till next year.” Well, Hopewell, you played a great game but … wait till next year, Hopewell.”
After the game the youth group and their parents had arranged a little barbeque with burgers and hot dogs, chips, and salad. Girlfriends dished out food to boyfriends. Talk centered around the game and the ‘Home for the Homeless’ project. Girlfriends found boyfriends after the cleanup. Ty and Billy held hands in public for the first time. The big stereo was brought out for music. The late spring evening was mild even hot in the city. Some boys took off their shirts after getting sweaty from dancing. Billy and Ty slow danced together. Annie found out that her son was gay. The words of Pops came back to her. ”If he is gay make sure you love and accept him all the more. There are those who’ll be mean to him. Don’t you be one.” She turned to Nathan Stewart “My son has a boyfriend.”
Nat said “It is what it is. I think my boy might be gay too. It makes me want to love and accept him all the more. Being gay shouldn’t make a life any harder, but with a lot of people it is an issue. It’s not an issue to me.”
Annie turned and kissed Nat and said, “I love you.” It was the first time she said it. It felt good.
Nat kissed her back and said, “I love you too. This is such a great night. I feel like one of those teenagers over there. Dance with me.” So, they joined Ty and Billy, Josh and Jenny, Jesse and Val, Jack and Karen Harvey. Becky grabbed Pops exclaiming “Gosh, I haven’t done this is 30 years.”
Bobby Edwards asked to cut in. An out of breath Pops thanked him immensely. Becky was dancing with one of the stars of the basketball team, Bobby thought he was dancing with the prettiest girl there. Bobby heard about what Josh said to Jenny. While they were dancing, he half whispered “Not now dummy, calm down” Becky asked what he was saying.
So cool, Bobby asked “Did I say something?“
“Sounded like ‘Not now dummy, calm down.”
“Oh jeeze, I did say it out loud. I’m sorry Becky. I’m so embarrassed.”
“What are you babbling about, Bobby?”
“Ok, I’ll come clean. Stupid as I am, I sometimes talk to my boy parts.”
Becky eyes lit up with the biggest smile on her face, “You mean you were talking to umm your umm?“
“Well, he is like at attention, and it’s not time to do anything like baby making. It’s kind of embarrassing and uncomfortable.“
Becky laughed and then hugged Bobby big time and kissed his cheek.
“Awhh, he is never gonna calm down, now.”
While continuing to slow dance with Bobby, Becky wrapped her hands around his neck and kissed him again this time on the mouth. Her tongue penetrated and probed his mouth then she sucked Bobby’s tongue out of his mouth into hers. She let her hand slide down between them and felt his crotch. There was a hard, hard piece of wood there. Bobby was passing out from lack of air. His boner was ready to explode. Becky rubbed it once, twice and a third time. Bobby let loose. Becky held him tight with two hands around his chest, her perky young breasts almost penetrating him. Bobby was weak first from the kiss and then from his orgasm. She held him up and whispered in his ear. “I like boy parts especially when they are excited.” Bobby kissed her cheek, nibbled on her ear and neck. Put his head next to her head and whispered. “Will you be my girlfriend.” Becky kissed him again and said ”Yes”. The song was over. Bobby asked “Will you walk in front of me while I go to the boys room. I mean you kind of got stupid down there to make a mess.”
“Why, Bobby what are you saying?”
“Come on Becky, please.”
“Ok, but don’t say I made him make a mess. Can’t you control him?”
“I’m trying but I guess I need more practice. Will you help me, sometime?”
“Yes Bobby, I’ll help you. Now you follow close. You should wear darker color pants. Then the dampness won’t show as much”
“Thanks, I’ll go shopping tomorrow.” Bobby said kind of sarcastically.
Bobby made it to the boy’s room without incident. Josh was there taking a leak. ”Hey bud, you really got into it with Becky.”
“Yeah, she is one hot girl; jeeze she made me cum in my pants.”
“Really.” Josh said laughing.
“Come on Josh, this is serious. How am I gonna clean up Josh.”
“Go in the crapper and take your pants and underwear off. You’re going to have to go commando the rest of the night. Take some toilet paper and clean up the cum as best as you can. I’ll give your undies to Pops. He’ll wash them for you, and you can pick them up tomorrow. Make sure none gets on your pants.”
“Thanks Josh. Hey, don’t tell anyone about this.”
“Nah, who would believe that one of Becky’s kisses could make the great Bobby Edwards cum in his pants?”
“Josh!!“
“Just teasing buddy; I had to get one tease in before I put it out of my mind.”
Josh took Bobby’s cum-stained underwear and put them in his backpack, inspected his friend, and said “You’re all good. No stains down there. Now control yourself, don’t recharge. Just hold hands or something.” Leaving the boys room, Becky was waiting outside. Josh smiled and said “Hi Becky, be a good friend and no more kissing Bobby tonight. You have some kind of spell over him.”
Becky smiled and said “Why, Josh, what do you mean?”
“Just be his friend, Becky.“
“I understand Josh. I won’t get him all excited again and have him be embarrassed.”
The game, the dance, and the barbeque were a great success. All the kids wanted to do it again. Father Rick said he would think about it, knowing his St. Francis team would like another crack at the Hopewell team. But short of breaking Josh’s legs he couldn’t see any way for them to come out on top. He had watched Josh as a grammar schooler and now as a high schooler. He searched his memory to find one game Josh had lost. The kid never lost. He said to himself, I guess I am blessed to have seen him play.
In a matter of 2 weeks the building was gutted with all the help from the clients and the teenagers; then another week for the demolition. Construction for the core tower was started. 3 months later, the first trailer home was placed on its pad followed quickly by the other 4 spiraling up and around the tower. Summer followed spring; the high schoolers devoted their summer vacation to the Homes for the Homeless project. The clients and the teenagers did the painting and helped with the electric and plumbing under the watchful eyes of the St. Francis tradesmen. IKEA brought a trailer load of furniture as well as cabinets, counters, and vanities. IKEA asked if they could film the delivery for public relations benefits. Being as they provided everything at cost it seemed the least the agency could do. There was a ton of assembly, all grew weary. Along the way Father Rick kept watch over his young volunteers and just like Sunday was declared a day of rest, Father Rick declared one day a week as a fun day. He took his hard workers to the beach and amusement parks, to the hated Yankee ballgames. The kids liked it best when they could just relax with each other and do barbeque and volleyball and softball games, followed by a dance in the St. Francis parking lot. By keeping up the morale of his volunteers, the work stayed on schedule. The Grand Opening of the first ’Home for the Homeless‘ was scheduled for the second Saturday of September. That way the teenagers who had worked so hard and now back in school could be present.
To be continued...
Posted: 02/18/2022