From what she has told me, she is in contact with some family but cannot live with them. She did not look comfortable talking about the family part. A lot of homeless people, unfortunately, are mentally ill. And, a lot of homeless people that I have spoken to are very articulate which makes it confusing for someone talking to them to get a "fix" on the person. On some days, I have noticed her as you described her and on other days she has been deeply suspicious and jumpy.This sounds horrible, but I wonder if in her own way, Angela is living a life that exactly matches what her emotional and mental status can handle. The ability to get away when she is freaking out inside. I wish that she had physical protection from the elements despite her problems, but as we all know because we live it (unless we were born rich) the acquisition of physical protection and creature comforts come with the ability to maintain some semblance of mental stability.I am so glad people are interacting with her so that as she lives on the periphery of "society" people are still not completely ignoring that she is human. I am proud to be part of a community that can see beyond judgement to the understanding that there are people out there who struggle mightily and painfully. And, it makes me happy when I see people post on here that they have reached out to her no matter the reaction they actually receive from her at the time.

I met and talked to Angela for the first time a few days ago. She is very sweet as long as she knows your intentions are good and as long as you are not a man. (Men make her extremely uncomfortable). Yes, she is dealing with mental illness, as most homeless do. Therefore, it is that much more important to be respectful of her boundries.I have been trying to help keep her out of the rain the last few days. I've been able to take of two nights at a hotel room and a friend paid for another. We are expecting rain through Monday and I am hoping to find someone that might cover at least one more night..........she is willing to look at a list of resources available that my church gave me and to receive counseling. I am in search of a female counselor that may be willing to offer these services for free. If anyone can help with a room, even if it is money towards a room, please let me know. She has to be checked out by noon today. Please text me at 951.813.1663

@Erinpra
I'm sure you calling her by name made her very uncomfortable when she doesn't know you. This will make her feel like she is being manipulated when you were just trying to help.

I came to this post because a high school acquaintance saw a post I made where I was looking for my homeless mentally ill mother, Sheryl. I worked at Starbucks in Porter and met Angela about two years ago. She does have a mental illness, and she frequently spoke about men hurting/abusing her. So although the world is a really crummy place at times, I doubt anyone has been flicking cigarettes at her and a lot of people had tried to help her during her time there. We had to have her removed from the Starbucks property because she had an episode with one of our elderly male customers. Obviously you should treat her with kindness, you should be kind to everyone; but don’t expect that she will perceive it the same way. Mental illnesses like this are not the easiest to understand. But seeing people homeless suffering with these disorders should definitely move more people to fight for a better mental health care for our state. Have a bless day, and be kind to your neighbors.

@Sarha92 Very true. I saw Angela camped out at the closed down Pollo Tropical about two weeks ago . It is so cold,wet and ugly out there today; I hope she is well.

Does anyone know about the older homeless lady under the overpass by Porter's Whataburger? She's blonde and wears glasses and has like 5 backpacks on her.

I think I know who you are talking about; she often walks along 494? Sorry... I don't know any more about her. I hope she is indoors somewhere tonight.