Get Down, Get Back Up Again
Get Down, Get Back Up Again
My brother-in-law, Eric, spent more than twenty years experiencing homelessness on the streets of Portland, Oregon, following a workplace injury that damaged his back. His life became a long struggle with hardship and heroin addiction.
Finding him and helping him access treatment was difficult, but his sister—my wife, Claudia—persisted. Eventually, he agreed to come and live with us at our ranchito in New Mexico.
Eric stayed with us for a year, in his own little casita. He received medical care, attended weekly counseling, and met regularly with a nurse in Truchas.
He was intelligent and funny, and he brought a great deal of joy into our lives. Looking back, I believe he gave us more than we were ever able to give him.
Claudia gave him a camera, and I began teaching him photography. He took many photographs during that year. I have kept them, and I treasure them.
Over time, the isolation of our life in New Mexico became difficult for him. He missed his friends and wanted to return to Portland. We found an organization there that supported people experiencing homelessness and helped him settle in. We visited when we could.
Later, we learned that he was using heroin again. We were deeply worried about him.
One day, the Portland police called to tell us that Eric had died by suicide. He left a gentle note to Claudia. We have carried the pain of his loss ever since.
Next year, I plan to publish a book of his photographs. I will donate all the copies to the Portland organization that cared for him, so they can sell them and raise money for their work. It is a modest gesture, but I hope it will help. Through his photographs, I also hope others will come to know something of the person we loved.
Too often, people judge those living on the streets without knowing their stories—the injuries, losses, and hardships they have endured, or the help that was unavailable when they needed it.
Eric had wit, intelligence, warmth, and a way of seeing the world that deserves to be remembered.
Offering a hand does not always require a grand gesture. Sometimes, a little time, kindness, and practical help can make a difficult life more bearable
When the book is published, I will share the organization’s contact details here, so that anyone who wishes to buy a copy and support their work can do so.
Housing is a human right. Support JOIN’s work in Portland: