Age: 59
From: Thunder Bay
Bob has lived in Vancouver for 28 years now. He started out traveling all around the country, working along the way, but then stayed in Vancouver. He has lived in the Gastown area for about 20 years, and recently moved to The Grand Hotel on Hastings Street, near the old Woodward’s site.
Panhandling in front of the Royal Bank on Broadway, he makes about $25.00 per day. Sometimes people in the Bank give him food. He says panhandling is a nice way to spend the day.
Bob used to sell the Street newspaper. “It’s about people like me” he said, “people on drugs or alcohol.”
He’s had lots of girlfriends, but never married.
Advice to young people thinking of a life on the street:
“Try not to be on the street unless it’s absolutely impossible not to be. Young people are forced to live on the street because of drugs etc. They may be afraid to go home. If there is a chance to avoid breaking the law, take it. Say no to drugs and alcohol, it only takes once to try crack or heroin and that’s it, your hooked.”