Vince Shumate is writing from Charleston, SC, where he’s battling homelessness, trying to survive, and wanting to thrive. Read part one.

When I woke this morning it was cold.  I was up and out of my spot by 4:30 AM. 

I’ve been sleeping on the back door portico of a very expensive home that’s being renovated and that I have reason to believe will become an airBnB.  I enter through an old wrought iron gate into a quaint small courtyard that includes three fountains, beautiful landscaping, and ground lighting.  There is no lock or even a handle on the gate. 

My policy is simple. Go in late, leave early, and never ever foul your nest. I always leave places cleaner than what I found them. 

CSI would have difficulty proving I slept there.

After leaving my spot I went up to Trinity United Methodist Church. They have a tall outdoor cabinet with glass doors on the front and the lettering reads, “God’s little pantry. Give what you can and take what you need.” I found a small can of Vienna sausages and a small can of baked beans. That’s all I needed to get me through the morning.