"This is Michael. Like many of us, Michael came here six years ago, to visit. Liked Humboldt, returned to Texas, then came back, hoping to settle here."

This is Michael. Like many of us, Michael came here six years ago, to visit. Liked Humboldt, returned to Texas, then came back, hoping to settle here.


I was walking by the post office at 5th and H in Eureka. I saw him sitting and reading a book.

Not sure who said hi first but he asked me if there was any yard work or job he could do to earn money. I told him, that I don't own any properties, but I would be glad to pass on his contact information to businesses and landlords. Michael gave me his cell phone number and wished me a pleasant day. I also asked if I could share his contact information on my blog.

Michael did not cuss me out. He did not get angry. There was something about him that was very genuine. There are people we all know, who hang out in Old Town and give you a line. I know them and I know where that money goes. I still help them out sometimes because I have made the effort to know them as people and hear their story.

I wanted to help Michael out by giving him some money. Unfortunately, I was unable to today and it was not because I did not want to; I couldn't.  I ran into Corky a minute later. I shared with him my experience and observation with Michael. Corky told me he had the same feeling about Michael and after talking to me, he was going to help Michael with a few bucks. Michael was hesitant to take the money. At first he refused, but I convinced him it was not charity. It was valuing him.

Corky did not want the recognition, I made him pose for the photo. Corky will always be one of my favorite local business owners and many could take lessons in customer service from him. Corky is a true Christian.

I am not sharing my experience with Michael for any kind of kudos. If you are moved by what I have to say, go out today and make a difference in someone's life, that is unexpected, and is a sacrifice from the heart.

I was walking away after taking the photo because today is the first day in a long time I could go out and try and make money.  I earn money when I can, in between covering news and people contacting me for help, with questions. There is no down time, ever. I don't work = I don't pay my basic bills. I don't eat. The last few months have been hard for me, as they have for many small businesses. But I have a roof, I have a warm place on cold, windy, rainy nights. I have a few true friends and I am very grateful for them.

I know I am fortunate.

I have chosen to put my money, my own savings investing in this community, even before my blog because those who should be and have the time and money, do not invest in people and chose to ignore working on change that helps others move to prosperity.

They leave it to the middle class, the working poor, the poor and those struggling themselves to take care of themselves.

I  know what stigma there is in Humboldt if you have a backpack, if you walk all the time, or if you are sitting outside and trying to get a job. Michael is clean, dressed in clean clothes but people in Humboldt see someone on the street with a backpack and jump to conclusions.

Instead of walking away, I asked Michael that if he would spend some time with me and get coffee. Again, he said "no, you don't have to do that". I told him, I wanted to and I wanted to know his story. That it would be a blessing to me to sit and spend some time with him.

In six years, things are different. Michael told me he sees many homeless people on the street. People used to be friendlier to him.

After our chat, I asked Michael what he wanted me to pray for him. He said, "just for me to get a job."

Local temp agencies are a joke. Local County and EDD listings are a bigger joke. We know jobs are "advertised" but the decision on who to hire has already been made. If you are outsider, it is worse. You spend all your savings thinking you will get ahead if you do a good job.  Unless you come in with a lot of money and can "con" people by playing both sides, you end up being stuck here.  There are a few exceptions but this is the reality that locals want to ignore. Humboldt will never change and grow with this mentality. 

I haven't been to church, well mass, in almost two years. I stop by sometimes to pray alone. One does not have to go to church to worship with others to hear Christ. HE is everywhere. I enjoyed when I was active in church leadership but ministry is different and doesn't have to be in Church, all your life. Jesus and the Holy Spirit will send you where you are needed; you just have to listen.

I prefer to be out among people connecting with the entire Body of Christ. God's love is for all, not limited by man's conditions and is not the  property of any institution.

If you want to hire Michael, he can be reached at (707) 616-5393.