Note to Reader: What you are about to read is one homeless man’s account of why he is homeless. This individual consented to the interview and could refuse to answer any question. This is his story; take it as you will.
Stan Taylor wants to be homeless.
“I had a good childhood,” began the native of Sacramento, CA. “I had a good family; we did a lot together; I couldn’t have asked for better.”
After graduating from high school in 1977, he went to work maintaining fairways and greens on area golf courses. “It was great work; I enjoyed doing it; and I was good at it.”
His efforts and knowledge led to his being offered a position in 1986 at a country club in Federal Way, Washington. Two years later, he married and began a family. In time, he became the club’s assistant superintendent.
“I had a good wife, two wonderful children, a good job, and a secure future,” he continued as he leaned against the former Furniture Works building in downtown Olympia and steadied himself with a walking cane.
“I had a good life,” he repeated, “but I began screwing up when I began doing drugs about 10 years ago.”
He related that he started with marijuana – which in turn led to assorted pills, and then opiates, and now – today - anything he can find and purchase on the streets of Olympia.
He took an early retirement at 62 and began collecting a social security check. He also indicated that he owns 10 acres of land and two rental properties.
“My wife had had it with my drug use, and she made it clear to me about a year ago that I’d have to clean up or she would throw me out,” explained Taylor.
He refused to seek help; she kept her word.
“I had nowhere to go,” he said, “but my sister-in-law had told me that I should head to Olympia.”
When asked why he just didn’t move into one of his rentals, he replied that his wife had filed a restraining order against him and that the rentals were close enough to the house he and his wife had shared that he could not live in them.
When asked what the restraining order was for, Taylor replied, “I don’t want to talk about that.”
“I know I screwed up,” he continued; “I did this all to myself; I tried to get away from drugs but just couldn’t. It’s a fact that drug use can lead to homelessness.”
Asked if homelessness has contributed to his drug addiction, he said, “Sure. What do any of us have to hope or live for?”
He was informed that he could get help and that there are a number of agencies in Olympia that could help him with his drug addiction. He would have none of this.
“I have a debit card; I can get on a bus and go to a bank and get the money I need for my drugs,” he said. “I’m not proud of what I do, but I choose to live this way.”
Informed that fentanyl could end his life, he looked away and said, “I’m careful about the drugs I take.” When it was then pointed out that the bluish/redness lesions below his knees may be due to his drug use, he snorted, pushed himself away from the building, and began to hobble away.
“I know I’m my own worst enemy,” he said. “Who isn’t?”
JM Simpson - jm@theJOLTnews.com - is a veteran photojournalist who lives in Lacey.
7 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
AugieH
I applaud Stan's refreshing honesty when he blames himself and his decisions for his predicament and not someone else.
Monday, July 17, 2023 Report this
Southsoundguy
Ever ask these people if they accept taxpayer funds or funded services?
Monday, July 17, 2023 Report this
Oly1963
Again - this is about choices. Did you catch that he is here because someone said to him "come to Olympia" - why? because they enable this behavior without accountability. These aren't stupid people. But their choices are contrary to how most of us want to live. We want a safe environment for our kids and families. We want a downtown that is thriving on a Saturday with great shops and restaurants. Instead we have to dodge human waste, panhandlers, people openly using drugs or experiencing a high or psychosis. WAKE UP OLYMPIA!!!! Put a stop to this nonsense and these people will either leave or get help. There are really good people who just need a place to sleep who are looking for work - those people need help. This guy? He doesn't want help - he wants a handout. What is it we told our kids - if you stop, they stop.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Report this
OlyGuy
As an Olympia resident, it is truly maddening that the homeless being interviewed repeatedly state that "I was told (or heard) that I should go to Olympia". We have become a bastion for homeless populations because they know they won't be arrested when they steal from our businesses, won't be harassed for doing drugs openly in public, and will be provided services without question. Being compassionate for other humans is a good thing but compassion doesn't work without accountability. Why do the concerns of the residents of Olympia always come last?
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Report this
ConservativeHippie
We need a rescue operation, not continued enabling. As a society we cannot look the other way as foreign interests fuel an epidemic exacerbated by inept local/state political leadership. We are one of the richest states in our Republic. Allowing our neighbors to rot on the streets under the grips of addiction is unacceptable.
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Report this
WA_Mojo
Headline should read - Stan Taylor: Drug Addict, Worthless Bum
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 Report this
OneToughBroad
Everytime I read these comments on these particular articles about the homeless, Im struck by a frw very distatesful things...but the biggest one is these "services" that everyone keeps speaking of. What services are you talking about exactly...The"homeless hotels" where peopke are being offered a chance to sleep in a bedand have a little stability under there feet. Food banks, shelters....exactly which of these is so intolerable to you...after all yall are the same ones complaining about them along the freeways etc...You cant have it both ways. I'd like to see any of you even attempt to walj in therevshoes. Lets see hiw well you dont do...
Thursday, July 20, 2023 Report this