Moriah Ulinskas

Frankey Oakley

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I just moved into the Leland House six months ago. I was living on 6th Street in the Tenderloin before.  I lived in the Tenderloin about 20 years- the last two years I was homeless.  I’ve been going to Most Holy Redeemer Church in the Castro for over 25 years and living on food stamps and General Assistance.

 

I was born on September 6, 1963 in Opelousas, LA- about 70 miles from New Orleans.  I was raised by my mother, who I lived with until I was 25 years old, then I went to live with my sister in Houston.  I stopped school in 11th grade and took GED classes.  I passed all, but math, so I never got a degree.  I wish I had a high school diploma- maybe I’ll get one once I’ve settled down a bit.   I worked when I was still in Opelousas doing clerical work in a hospital.  I’ve applied for jobs here.  

 

I “grew up straight” and went to Houston to see the gay community because there was no gay community where I’m from.  I found the community I was looking for in San Francisco.  I was happy going to Gay Clubs like the Eagle, Badlands, and The Edge.  It’s a decent, clean drinking scene.  I’m not really much of a drinker, but I like to socialize.  I’m going to try to cut back on smoking- my case worker gave me this vaping cigarette.  I just started smoking five months ago- I have no idea why, at 52, I started smoking.

 

I ended up in the Tenderloin because it was the only place where I could find housing I could afford on welfare. I made the choice to move out.  I left G8 housing in the Tenderloin and moved to a friend’s house in the Castro, but that didn’t work out.  I ended up sleeping outside by the post office every night.  I learned and they were OK years.  I got free clothes every Wednesday and used the bus with showers in it.  I met people who helped me- Josh Wyoming, a retired social worker, and my friend Darren who works at the Conservatory of Music.  They gave me food, invited me into their homes for meals at Easter.  I know a handful of other people living on the streets and it’s ok, if you know what you’re doing.

 

I’ve been here five or six months now and I’m going to stay here as long as I can.  I go to church every morning and the coffee social after mass.  I’m part of an HIV/ AIDS support group. We meet every Thursday to talk about living with AIDS.  Pete Toms, who works with the MHR AIDS group, and Father Matt have been there the whole time.  I get lots of support.

 

I’d like to go home and see my family.  Mother and sister have both passed away, but I have a lot of family in Louisiana.  You know the Castro? That’s my community. It has changed a lot, its more sober now, but that’s for the best.