Meet Brad

Brad Interview with Bobbi Rathert:

 BRAD and I met before this day when I visited Tent City the first couple of times. He was a leadership figure there and illustrated it by showing me around and introducing me to others. Today was busy near his tent, where a path came through the encampment. Brad’s tents were situated near a sandy beach along the river, where he created a sitting area. It was exceptionally welcoming, and several people stopped to talk while I was nearby. Brad made a point to introduce me and my book plans to other residents and those passing by the homeless community. He encouraged several to share their stories with me.

“Grandpa taught me how to cross the river in the middle of winter!” he said later. “I need something to do, you know. I mean, the other day when the ice formed here,” Brad pointed toward the river a few yards from where we were standing, “I could read the ice. I just took a walk out there.” I wondered if living in his camp along these riverbanks that were most familiar had brought Brad a sort of comfort.

He told me that his mom was still alive, but his grandparents had passed. We discussed his story and how he has more years of stories to tell me.

You can find Brad’s full story in “Where’s Home: People Experiencing Homelessness in La Crosse County Share Their Stories.”

Want to hear more from Brad? Order Your Copy of Where’s Home? Today