On a stormy and rainy Wednesday afternoon, we got the chance to meet Sam and Bobby who are currently living on the streets, and walking along 4th street in Reno. We have never reported for Our Town Reno and were interested in trying it out. We also wanted to talk about the United States getting a new president.
Sam poses in front of the Morris Burner Hostel.
Sam, 30, is a friendly man who gladly wanted to have a conversation about politics with us. He told us he once went to the prestigious performing arts Juilliard School in New York City. He likes to bring his cart of blankets and clothes with him wherever he goes, and put on one of his nice jackets for the photo and interview.
Photo by Linnea Sorensen of Sam showing us the arrangement of blankets that he brings with him everywhere.
Sam said he voted for Joe Biden in the election, after difficulties in figuring out how to vote himself.
“I think it’s important to make everyone be able to vote in this country,” he said.
Photo by Linnea Sorensen of Bobby McCourt who asked to be interviewed because he was interested in talking about politics.
Bobby said he didn’t vote, but that if he would have, he would have picked Biden as well.
“I think the most important topic of politics is to keep peace within the countries,” he said. “I think Biden would do a better job at keeping peace”, he added.
This was the first time we have interviewed those who live on the streets for Our Town Reno and it was a comfortable and safe experience. We had our reservations being two girls walking up to strangers, just like any other interview, but it was clear the people we talked to just enjoyed a good conversation.
It was also humbling to get to know these people we would have otherwise ignored walking down the street.
Our Town Reno is an important way to learn more about people who are struggling without stable housing and it creates a platform for their voices to be heard. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Our Town Reno and to make more voices heard in Reno.