"How do homeless people survive in style?" was Dr. Robert Spaulding's topic for the July 27 meeting of the Signal Mountain Lions Club, based on his recent non-fiction book of the same title and accompanied by photographs from the book.
His interest in the subject was sparked by homeless patients at his podiatry clinic near the downtown Community Kitchen.
"The Community Kitchen has a lot of services for the homeless and are doing a great job," the doctor said. They try to help people with foot needs, but send to him those with problems they cannot solve.
Over time he developed conversations with several homeless men and won their trust so that they talked with him about their lifestyle and their surroundings. "Some are safe and some are not," he said.
One of the stories was Eddie's story, about a homeless man who for 25 years has wandered homelessly because he wanted to see the country. Many, like him, travel by train, riding the rails on and in boxcars to their next destination.
Church steps seem to be a popular place for some to settle down for the night, while others have created apartments for themselves in caves, under underpasses or in or near discarded buildings. One man made a cozy retreat in an abandoned railcar.
Most people never see where homeless have made their abode but places created by the homeless bob up everywhere. He had pictures of several down town which might be seen from the interstate, but usually are not noticed by those passing by.
"How To Survive Homeless In Style," is the latest of several fiction, non-fiction and children's books, which Dr. Spaulding has written, all piqued by an interest he found in his everyday life.
During the business session a new member was welcomed and final plans were made for the sale of $50 tickets for the raffle of a new Ford Focus automobile at the Labor Day barbeque Sept. 6.