We love running into Coins out here in the neighborhood. His laugh and positivity bring good vibes. Here’s a recent chat we had with him where he shares a little bit more about what he’s all about.
Haight Street Voice: You’re such a kind person when I see you in the neighborhood. One time I reached into my purse to give you some change and out came a few coins and … old Corn Nuts! You laughed and offered me a dollar instead!
Coins: Yeah! [laughs]
HSV: Where were you born and what’s your deal?
C: Jackson, Mississippi. I came here in the late ‘70s. Since then I’ve been out, you know, vibing here. It’s the atmosphere. It’s the culture itself. And it’s scenic. There were a lot of famous cats that faded in and out.
HSV: Did you love your folks growing up? Were they bummed that you’re on the street?
C: Well, I didn’t call ‘em. They don’t know yet! [laughs] They still don’t know!
HSV: I can’t imagine what it’s like living out here. You know that Stumbles [a local streetperson] just passed away, right?
C: Yeah.
HSV: It’s sad!How do you survive? Why do you choose to stay out here instead of saying, “You know what? I’m tired of this.” Why do you keep doing’ it?
C: It gets kind of cold and kind of wet, but.you have plenty of chances for space. It’s like an old boat. [laughs] You got a little water you gotta dump it out. But it’s okay out here, you know? It’s clean and dirty. [laughs]
HSV: What do you want to say to the Haight Street community, let alone the world right now?
C: Uh … Hello! How’s it goin? Where are y’all?! [big laugh]
