by Travis Mateer

This week’s episode of Zoom Town is a long conversation with my friend and former co-worker at the Poverello Center, Patrick Duganz. We talk about our shared time working at the homeless shelter (2008-2011) and the difficulties involved in managing people in an inappropriate space during cold weather that can kill you.

This is the first interview where I’ve done some editing for length. Patrick likes his tangents and our comfort with each other ensured our talk would substantial.

Parts of our conversation are graphic, so be warned. We talk in visceral detail about what alcohol can do to long-term addicts, and we also talk about Lee Nelson, the homeless man who was bludgeoned to death last November in broad daylight, just a few blocks from his temporary shelter at the new Pov.

If you have questions, or would like to contact me about being a guest on Zoom Town, my email is willskink at yahoo dot com.

Thank you.