Stories of Hunger

Even though life has been rough as of late for Darrell, he believes in karma and passing around good to people to get it back in return.

Darrell, originally from St. Louis but now lives in Poplar Bluff, has been homeless for the last four years.

Life on the streets has been hard, and he makes money however he can. For travel, he either walks or rides a bicycle. He gets clothing and a few meals from various churches and missions. On days when food is scarce, he has resorted to eating food from dumpsters.

“I know people look down upon you for it,” Darrell said.

Once a month he visits the Bread Shed’s mobile food pantry, pulling a red Radio Flyer wagon fitted with makeshift boarding to transport the food.

“If it wasn’t for things like this, there would be some very rough days,” he said.

Sleeping in the park and various places around Poplar Bluff isn’t ideal, but he makes it work. He currently is helping someone fix their house and staying in the basement to keep out of the cold.

Despite his living conditions, Darrell remains in good spirits and is thankful for the services Bread Shed and Southeast Missouri Food Bank offer.

“Some of us have nothing, so this is good. We appreciate it,” he said.