Troubles in Camden: An unexpected encounter

Camden, known for its markets and music, also holds a starker reality for many. During my visit, an encounter with the local homeless population became profoundly impactful. It wasn't just observing; it was a moment of deep, personal awareness of lives lived on the margins, a reminder of the quiet struggles hidden amidst the bustling urban landscape.

 

 

 

November 14, 2025

 

This is about awareness.  That's all.

 

Yesterday, I was exchanging trains in Camden at the lovely Walter Rand Transportation Center,  Always a great experience, and I see a guy stretched out on the sidewalk with people just walking about him.  And it's fucking cold.

I bend down to ask him if he's ok.  Detoxing.  Maybe not smart, but I grabbed his sweatshirt from the back and picked him right up.

"Who are you?", he finally asked.  Someone who cares and someone who's tired of seeing this,  

 

I guided him into the train station to get warm and bought him a candy bar for low blood sugar.  I said either we are going across the street to Cooper or you're going to die.  Confused.  Ok.  Does your mom know you're on the streets dying?  He's around twenty.  Finally eye contact.

 

I take him across the street to the hospital.  And man, intake is not pleasant there,  I get it.  It's a rough part of town, but they were like "you again" to him and asked who I was.  I'm a guy who has to almost walk over him on a cold sidewalk.  I did my job.  Do yours.  There are places he can go.

 

Fucking annoyed everyday seeing this. Not at the professionals, the helplessness,

 

Be safe out there.