Man describes living tucked away under Pawtucket highway overpass
PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WJAR) — A highway underpass in Pawtucket has been at the center of a ongoing tug-of-war for weeks.
Groups have tried to clean it up, and the state says it's helping those living there.
But what about the people?
A man who goes by "J" has lived there for about a year. He told NBC 10 News on Friday that he's one of about five unhoused people living and sleeping under the George Street Bridge on a daily basis.
"I put myself in this situation, I guess you could say. So, it is what it is," said J.
His homemade shelter is tucked up in the George Street overpass on Interstate 95.
"It sucks and it breaks your spirit once in a while, but it's one day at a time, right?" said J.
He's tried to make the best of it, even telling us he was bagging up trash and litter there to try to change the public’s perception of both himself and others in his situation.
"There's a million versions of you. There's how you look at yourself and how everyone else views you," J said. "So, if somebody's first impression of you is driving by and seeing all of that trash, then they're going to see you as what you're living [in]," he told NBC 10 News. "Keeping it clean. That's your self image."
The underpass has been a contentious topic between state and city officials.
Just last week, the Pawtucket mayor's office said the underpass is state land and that the city can't kick out those living there.
A Rhode Island Housing spokesperson says a state and city team are on the case, as outreach workers push to get people into other living situations.
J said he's been approached, but is hesitant.
"I've had officers come up to me and tell me I can go to places like the armory, but you go to places like that and you have to worry about your stuff being stolen," J said. "When you have nothing, why would you stay in a place where what literally you have could disappear overnight?"
As for what he needs to get back on his feet?
"Housing, work. A little bit of everything. A little bit of compassion, a little bit of love," he said.