

Well-known, "notorious" Downtown man, Eddie, is OK
On Nov. 21, an alert and aware OnMilwaukee.com reader "misskriss" posted a blog that was near and dear to my heart. Titled, "Do you know the whereabouts of a notorious (a slight misuse of the word as Ed wasn't 'unfavorably known' as notorious is generaly used) Downtown homeless man?" Misskriss' blog told the story of a well-known and extremely friendly homeless guy, Eddie Henderson, who has lived in and around Downtown Milwaukee for the past 2-3 years.
I know Eddie, have taken walks with him, helped him out and was, like misskriss, concerned that I hadn't seen him in several weeks. I had faith, though, that he was OK and my faith was enforced recently with a call from Beth Nicols, executive director of Milwaukee Downtown, the Business Improvement District in our Downtown area.
I forwarded misskriss' blog to Nicols and many others asking for their help. My wife and I have also been asking around trying to find more information on Ed's whereabouts.
Nicols and her great team of PSAs reached out to homeless advocates to help with the search. She called me yesterday with the good news.
"We've been informed that Eddie is safe and sound. He's living with his sister in Racine," said Nicols.
It's interesting when you strike a relationship with a homeless person. Not to sound trite, but it's a different sort of friendship, probably just because Eddie was about the only homeless person that I've ever spent a lot of time with.
Anyway, I'm glad, relived and thankful that he's OK and certain that others will feel the same too. I'm also thankful for our readers and our Readers' Blogs as they allowed misskriss to help bring her concerns to our wonderful community.
Talkbacks
buddha | Dec. 8, 2008 at 1:18 p.m. (report)
I'd wondered the same thing about him. I used to see him nearly every day when I lived in the area near where he would generally be. He touched my heart back when I first met him and learned that his name was "Ed" after having brief conversations with him. I've shared fruits with him from the Saturday farmer's market and winter clothing and gloves a couple of winters ago. Good to hear that he is safe during these cold bitter days and nights. Thanks for caring to send out an update, Jeff!
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mitchgat | Dec. 8, 2008 at 8:44 a.m. (report)
Eddie actually was a neighbor of mine back in the early 70's when I lived over near Rufus King Hign School. He's a really nice man and I am VERY happy to here he is doing well.
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brunocarlson | Dec. 6, 2008 at 1:33 p.m. (report)
Glad to hear that he is okay and that he has a warm place to stay. Jeff, way to go the extra mile!
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