[Monkey Face]

I resisted going to a shelter. My stuff was in storage, but I didn’t want to be beholden to a bunch of strangers who wanted what little I had.

So I moved into the Drug Hotel. (Real name: The Moulin Rouge.) It was actually the only place in Las Vegas that would allow blacks to stay overnight, when they were performing at the casinos. We’re talking ALL black performers or people of note. It was on “The ‘Side,” meaning West Las Vegas which is now a “depressed” neighborhood. It has since burned down to the ground.

Still, I was grateful for a room of my own with a bathroom, and a door that locked. It was on a busline, so that was a bonus, but I’m not good at begging.

I stayed there a little over four months, while I was waiting for my disability to be approved. THAT was an experience!

[GeronL]

wow