Life on the Street 

Interview with Bruce Barresi 

By Rich Fuller

Bruce Barresi, age 51, is homeless and lives on the streets of the Heartside neighborhood in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. I met Bruce at Heartside Ministries, a local agency that serves those who live on the streets, in missions, or apartments in the Heartside neighborhood. Both this reporter and Mr. Barresi hope a bridge, a level of true understanding, can be built between those who have, and those who have not. 

How long have you lived in Grand Rapids?  

Bruce states he was born and raised in Wyoming, Michigan just south and west of Grand Rapids. He became homeless (for the second time) in 2001. 

How did you first become connected with Heartside Ministries?  

"When I became homeless, I was drawn to people and places that were kind and non-judgmental. One of these places was Heartside Ministries. 

For those of us who have never faced the challenge, what are the day-to-day challenges of caring for yourself (washing, eating, sleeping, working etc)? 

"I can stay at a mission, but I try hard not to." Bruce chose his words very carefully and continued, "There are too many rules at the mission, and too much religion. And the people leading the religious classes are the same people I see drunk the next day. And you have to have your own towel. Where can I keep towels living at a mission or on the street? So I’d rather live on the street...I’ve been doing that for a year and a half now." 

How do you make money?  

Bruce mentions that he finds occasional casual labor and sometimes cuts grass. "There are no full time jobs available to me, and only occasional part time ones. I won’t panhandle, but I do get food stamps. But food stamps can’t be used for prepared foods, so I can only use them for ingredients or components. So where can a homeless man cook? I used to be able to get food vouchers which I could take into a restaurant, but no more." 

How would you describe your present living situation?  

"It’s not easy. When I walk into a store, many owners or managers don’t want me there. I was even asked to leave the public library because I had a knapsack. They were going to call the cops. I have stayed a few times at the mission because I’ve been robbed on the streets. So I have to leave much of my stuff with people I know who have apartments or rooms." 

Where do you find community?  

"I’m estranged from most of my family; I guess I make them feel uncomfortable. My community is Heartside Ministries because they’ve done a lot of good for me...helped me. I like to give back by helping them." 

What is your biggest concern or struggle right now?  

"Well, my aspirations for college and employment are on hold due to an impending court appearance. I did something really stupid. After I got my GED [high school equivalency) thanks to Heartside Ministries, I wanted to go to school for landscape management. But I got some bad advice, signed up for the wrong courses, and then couldn’t get my money back." 

What are your hopes and dreams?  

"To find a regular job...an apartment...a real life." 

Who or what had the biggest influence on your life?  

"That would have to be my father. He used to beat up my mom and me all the time. So I left home at 14." 

Who or what gives you inspiration?  

"The people at Heartside Ministries." 

What are some of your favorite books, movies or music? 

"I don’t get much opportunity to read books or see movies. I try to keep up with newspapers, though." 

What regrets do you have?  

When I asked that question, Bruce’s eyes filled with tears and his throat seized as if the words were caught there. He could not bring himself to answer. 

Do you have any suggestions for how those of us who have the security of a home, job and family could best help those who don’t?  

"Find someone who is homeless and find out why---then help that person one-on-one or through organizations like Heartside Ministries or Goodwill Industries."

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Heartside Ministries offers an art studio, counseling, prayer, job training, GED tutoring and computer training, to name a few. They are located at 54 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  They welcome donations of money and art supplies as well as opportunities to volunteer.  Please call Heartside staff at 235-7211 for more information.