AUSTIN, Texas — The struggle to survive is one that plagues thousands of people, including Thomas Stokes, who also goes by the name “Sunshine.” He has lived at a homeless camp for about a month and a half, after getting kicked out of the home he was living in.
“We’re not animals, you know. We’re just trying to make it just like everybody else,” Stokes said. “Sometimes that cold just really gets to your bones, you know. Like, it’s rough.”
Stacie Sheppard shares the same plight, living in another homeless camp for three years.
“No running water and food and shelter, because I and several other people live in tents, you know, and tents aren’t really made to be lived in,” Sheppard said. “For lack of better words, it sucks. It makes you tough.”
As freezing weather moves in, Sgt. Drew McAngus with Travis County Constable Precinct 3 is driving to the camps. He is connecting with Stokes and Sheppard, earning their trust.
“We try to find out if they have blankets, if they have any way to get heat to stay warm. We’re trying, we’re informing them about the free shelters that have opened up within the city,” Sgt. McAngus said.
When visiting the campsites, Sgt. McAngus is noticing the people experiencing homelessness are not interested in going to shelters for the time being.
“Sometimes they don’t realize just how bitter cold it’s going to get and what effect it can have,” Sgt. McAngus said.
Understanding that there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to homelessness, Sgt. McAngus is determined to tackle the issue one relationship at a time.
“I don’t want to give up on anybody, you know,” McAngus said.
“With the kindness of others and the kindness of strangers, kindness of these folks, you know, a country boy will survive,” Stokes said.
Cold weather shelters will be activated until Thursday.