This is Jack Briggs, and I am homeless. (1 Viewer)

[Mike Frezon]

I can only report that I've sent a few e-mails with no response.


I will send another today.

 

[Tino]

You're doing all you can Mike. All of us thank you for your efforts.

 

[Mike Frezon]

I appreciate the prompting, Tino.


And I think it shows that all of us are thinking of Jack and his situation from time to time. It is a difficult situation for all of us, I suppose.

 

[Mike Frezon]

I just wanted to let you all know that I got an e-mail from Jack tonight.


He is still down on his luck in LA but still trying to get back on his feet. He is working towards several goals.


And, he even came back to make a post in the HTF!

 

[Clinton McClure]

Thanks for the update Mike. I'm glad to hear Jack has not given up and it was good to see his post on Zardoz.

 

[Josh Steinberg]

I just wanted to let you all know that I got an e-mail from Jack tonight.

Mike, thanks for sharing the update - it's always good to hear from Jack and I appreciate all of your efforts in keeping the lines of communication open. It was fantastic seeing a new post with his name on it

 

[Peter Apruzzese]

Thanks Mike.

 

[Tino]

Yes thanks

 

[Patrick_S]

Wait, did he move back to LA?

 

[Mike Frezon]

Patrick:


Here's where we learned the fate of Jack's trip.

 

[Patrick_S]

I had known the relocation didn't go as hoped at the start, I'm just kind of surprised he didn't stay there since the cost of living is so much cheaper. Why come back to one of the most expensive places to live in one of the most expensive states in the Union?

 

[Cees Alons]

What defines one's home place?



Cees

 

[ChristopherG]

Where the heart is...

 

[Dennis Nicholls]

What in heaven's name brought you to Los Angeles?

My health. I came to Los Angeles for the waters.

The waters? What waters? We're in the desert.

I was misinformed.

 

[Mike Frezon]

I had known the relocation didn't go as hoped at the start, I'm just kind of surprised he didn't stay there since the cost of living is so much cheaper. Why come back to one of the most expensive places to live in one of the most expensive states in the Union?

I think Jack just had the sense that he knew what he was dealing with in LA. Familiar territory in terms of the social services structure (and geography).

 

[Clinton McClure]

Mike - I had perhaps one too many glasses of wine this evening and began to reminisce about HTFers who have come and gone and that made me wonder if anyone had heard from Jack recently. It's been almost a year since I have seen him post.

 

[Mike Frezon]

No such luck. He's been silent, Clint.


Wish I had something different to report.

 

[Tino]

I hope he's doing ok.

 

[Jack Briggs]

Hi there, good people:


Time gives me the fortune to be able to see things clearly, which helps in my situation.


First off, Los Angeles is in my heart. It has been my home for thirty years. Yet, in the early days of what I call "my situation" (sounds better than "homelessness," no?) the small town of Nashville seemed like an easy out. Add to that the then palpable sense of panic, and there you go. I made an error (at no small cost to my good friends at Home Theater Forum).


But here I am. Though I spend my evenings in shelters (still), the end to such is coming into sight. To wit: Praise be to the Social Security Administration. In May (at the age of sixty-one plus nine months), I will be eligible to apply for early retirement. Then, on my birthday (in August), I will start collecting it. Better, according to the Social Security website, I will be receiving enough to be able to restore a "real" roof over my head. (Ah, but if only I could collect what I would receive if I were to file for "regular" retirement at age sixty-five! Well, I do not wish to wait that long. I will gladly rent a single or efficiency.)


So there you have it. Yes, I am still in "that situation," but the end is in view. I am under no delusions. And I hope it does not go against Forum rules to state, with no equivocation, I am so, so grateful for Social Security.


Thank you for your concern, people. I love you (more than you can know).


Jack "Big Guv'ment Lover" Briggs

 

[Tino]

Hi Jack. I'm so happy to hear there is a light at the end of the long tunnel you have been stuck in. Know that those of us that knew you, know you and are just meeting you wish you all the best. Be well Jack. I miss you buddy.