Male, Black, 49 years old, some secondary education.

Leroy was sitting on the ground, leaning against the wall of a shop on Mass Ave in Harvard Square.

Me: Why are you homeless?

Leroy: Because I just got out of jail.

Me: Do you have your SSN? Have you tried to ask for government assistance?

Leroy: Yes, but I can’t find my birth certificate. (He seemed unsure about the welfare system.)

Leroy said he was born in Tennessee and moved to Boston when he was very young. His 82-year-old mother lives in Dorchester and receives welfare.

He spent nearly half of his life in jail. When he was 19, he was sentenced to four years in jail for robbery in Boston. After his release, he became a street drug dealer, which led to another 12-year jail sentence.

I was surprised that this seemingly “old” man used to be a robber and drug dealer. I was also curious about how he spent his money from drug dealing. He said he could afford an apartment when he was robbing and dealing drugs, but all the money was squandered. Now, he usually makes about $30 a day. He uses his money for food, as he complained that the food in shelters was a mess. He sometimes shares his food with another older white man if he has plenty.