#bergen_county

"Well, they're homeless, so not surprised by the latter" The officer says

"I want them gone" She taps her foot

"This isn't a reality TV show, folks can't vote them off an island" The officer says "I've lodged your complaint, we can patrol here frequently and make sure no laws are broken, but that's it"

"Oh I want your badge number!" She fusses

THe cop rolls hsi eyes and gives it to her

And then she storms off

The Cop grumbles and starts to leave

One of the homeless here, in a ratty tent looks relieved

Frank grabbed some supplies as his plans included coming down here. He exits the car and gets the duffle bag holding small bags of toiletries out, and starts to make the rounds. His face is set to a kind, neutral expression (as much as can be seen behind the beard).

The guy in the ratty tent says "Hey, thanks"

When he encounters someone (he respects the sanctity of the individual tents) he offers a bag and a point of contact for more help. There are some shelf-stable snacks in those, too.

"Welcome. You know anyone else that might want one?"

"Oh yeah, uhm "A blush "You got any feminine products? Jessica needs them. She's a bit skittish so if you just put them outside her tent she'll snatch them up. Third one down"

Others do come out of their tents to partake while Frank and this guy talk

"I do have some bags for women, yet. I'll do that." He says, with a pang at the name of the woman on tough times. He heads down that way and calls out softly "Hello, the tent? I was sent to see Jessica?"

A pair of eyes from the tent, the eyes don't look like HER Jessica's eyes, which is a relief in an odd way. "y.. yes?"

Nothing odd about it at all. "Hi, name's Frank. Guy down there said I could bring you these." he puts the bag on the ground at the tent and takes a step back "Just some toiletries and a few snacks. Info on where to get more. Do you need anything else?"

She peeks out once he backs up a bit, then seeing them snags them eagerly, and withdraws again "No. I guess not. Thanks. "

Did he get a look at her?

Looked to be dark haired, brown eyes, early 30s

"Welcome. Be in touch if there's anything I can do to help. Hey, you know anyone who needs a bag? I've got more."

"I can pass em around to the other ladies if you want..." Nervous but offering "WOuldn't take any mroe than my fair share, honest"

"Sure thing." He puts about half of what he's got left on the ground in the same spot.

She gathers them up and moves to the other girls quickly but does glance at him "Thanks"

Other women come out. He sees no redheads, but like he said to Siv, that could be a matter of a dye job

"You're welcome. You're all welcome." he says, careful of his size and presence; he doesn't want to startle or frighten anyone "Glad to help. There's info there, if you need more.

Some look nervous. But they nod. The men far out number the women. There are more women shelters in town

But then, the women are a bit more vulnerable

"Is there anyone out there in town who might want one of these tonight?"

One man comes up near Frank, palms out in a gesture of peace "Pardon me, sir? You got any more feminine products? My wife, her leg's hurt so she's not comfortable walking.. she needs some"

"Sure." He offers the baggie. "Info in there on how to get more, too. She need medical care?"

"She says she's fine, doesn't wnat to get us in trouble. .. " He lowers his voice "But I'm worried. Tempted to risk losing our spot and more for her. It doesn't feel broken but that bruise looks bad"

Frank nods. "I might be able to send someone here tomorrow, take a look. Not a doctor, but... knows first aid and seen a few things. No charge."

"I can't afford to pay him" the man admits

"Don't have to. It's a grant." Frank explains; it isn't, but he's ok with shading the truth in this case. "You'll be here? Which tent?"

"A grant? Damn, wish they had one for houseing payments" He gestures over to a navy hued tent, larger than some.

"That info in the bag? Use it. There are options for housing." Frank notes the tent but does not approach "Got it. Not sure when, but someone will be by tomorrow to check it out."

"Thanks." he offers his hand "I'm J.P."

Frank shakes. "Frank."

"Thanks Frank, you're one of God's children"

"I try to be worthy, thanks. Do you of anyone else that needs a hand, or a bag like these?"

"Well, normally my wife talks to the ladies, but I think you're on a good start" He admits. the Bag he was given in his hand "This ain't the only place homeless gather, but I hear the ones at the park are getting rough. Maybe they're a bad element, maybe they're just desperate. But I wouldn't go there.. and not many women anyway"

"I have these for men, too." Frank says, and gives him one.

"Thanks, man. Yeah, most of the single guys here are on the other side...kind of an agreed on buffer " He points

Frank nods. "Good to know. They need anything?"

"Water, food. Chamber pot... by law we're supposed to have use of restrooms in places that serve food, you'd be surprised how many are 'under repair' when we show up"

Frank nods. "I'll look into it, see what resources we might be able to get out there."

"Thanks. I know I just said I'm broke but if I can pay you back somehow, let me know"

"Pay it forward when you can. Let me know if there's someone out here who needs help, info's in the bag."

"Although....."