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Man living under bridge pleads for help
March 08, 2021
Joseph Bryan has been living under the bridge on Glenmuir Road in May Pen, since January 2020, and he is hoping that soon he will be able to return to his community of Woodhall in Clarendon to live in a house there.
Whether there is rain or bright sunshine, or even if the time gets cold, he makes himself comfortable on the mattress he has under the bridge. When he needs a shower, he goes to the river and sometimes he even treads into the town to buy breakfast, if making a small fire is not possible.
Unlike many who are homeless, Bryan is still counting his blessings as he said he does not go without food, as church folk from all around often visit him and give him something to eat. However, as thankful as he is for all that, he still needs somewhere to call his own.
Bryan explained to THE STAR that he became homeless when he came home one day to see that his house had burned down. Not having anywhere to stay, he saw the bridge as the perfect place to rest, as it would provide shelter from the rain.
Process of rebuilding
Despite having to sleep out in the elements, he said he isn't afraid, and is trying to find employment so that he can start the process of rebuilding his home.
"Mi can work, pluck chicken and dem sup'n deh, welding, make mat and other craft," Bryan shared, adding that if he gets the necessary material, he can help himself.
Bryan is already looking ahead to the day when he can return to his beloved community, as he said he is now thinking of setting up a makeshift dwelling to live there.
Questioned about his family, he said he has no children, but he has parents who are living overseas.
He said they reached out once, but he hasn't heard anything from then since. Still, it would be hard even if they tried, as he said he lost his cell phone and he has no "dial number" (phone number) for anyone to reach him.
His one plea is that he can get building material such as zinc, board and nail, so that he will be able to build a house on land he said he already has in Woodhall.
"Life hard, but mi haffi just hold a timing. Just haffi wait 'til mi time come," he said.
