Big City Living: Homeless in Chicago

Alas, I have decided to pick back up with my blog and chronicle some of the interesting things I encounter living in the big city- Chicago. For one of my classes this term, I am required to do something I’ve never considered myself any good at- take photos. I’m just not a very creative person. Regardless, I know as a young journalist looking to enter the field, I need to have the ability to take good photos, video, edit and produce.

So, I picked up my equipment from school and figured I’d practice my photography skills on my way home. I just happened to pass by a man and his cat. Being the crazy cat lady that I am, I couldn’t help but stop to pet the cat. That’s how I met Brandon Buginas. Brandon and his cat “Ghost” are homeless.

Brandon is 36-years-old and previously worked for a maintenance company that handled the upkeep for a trailer park. He became overwhelmed with the responsibility and quit his job to move to the big city. After arriving in Chicago, he was robbed and assaulted, forcing him into homelessness.

Brandon found Ghost as a kitten abandoned in a park. Brandon explained that many of the panhandlers that have animals mistreat them and only have them to make money. He said that’s not the case with Ghost.

“I feel bad that I have him out here, but he loves the attention he gets from people,” said Brandon. “He’s a great companion. I’m very lucky to have him.” He plans to have Ghost fixed and microchipped.

Brandon often stays in a tent in a park with other homeless individuals. If he’s lucky, he’ll have enough money to stay at a men’s hotel for a few nights. A kind sheriff bought Brandon a new tent and supplied him with food for Christmas. He will often drive by and pick Brandon up and help him pay for a hotel room for a night or two.

“I just thought I’d spend some time at a shelter while I get back on my feet, but one thing led to another and now I’m out here panhandling and living in a tent,” said Brandon. “It’s crazy the way things happen.”

Last year in April his son Dylan committed suicide. He was 17-years-old. Brandon participated in a suicide awareness walk called “Out of the Darkness” in his son’s memory. After his son’s death, Brandon was unable to afford to bury his son. Instead he had to cremate him, as that was the least expensive option. They spread his ashes in several different places because, Brandon recalled, his son was very active. He still keeps his picture with him at all times and wears a necklace containing some of his son’s ashes around his neck.

Brandon is currently looking for work and has applied to several local companies.

“I hope I don’t make a one-year anniversary out of it,” said Brandon. “I’m hoping that before I hit a year, I’ll be done with this and be working.”