What is it like being on the edge of homelessness. As I sat down with Rod on the city bench he told me his story. He came from central Oregon and is  now living  in the garage of an acquaintance. It is a place for him to stay as he looks for work in the city, which is miles away. He has lost his car, his business and his wife is divorcing him. He says it is not a drug issue, or abuse. During this episode in his life, Rod told me that keeping his dignity intact keeps him a step or two or more above despair, because once you despair you begin to crumble and it is hard to put the pieces back together. Rod is articulate, smart, but between a rock and a hard place. He was having a job interview that afternoon which could help save him from homelessness. So many folks are just a pay check away from a life no one wants. We shook hands and parted with words of encouragement and smiles.