Observing a homeless schizophrenic on RIPTA bus 21 stopping at notorious Harrington Hall in Cranston , Rhode Island

The homeless condition for any length of time renders even fairly " normal " individuals depressed, lethargic, prone to alcoholism and drug use, and decidedly unemployable. I just observed one temporary resident of Harrington Hall board RIPTA bus 21 just after 9 O' clock this morning . He was seated with neither a bus pass nor bus fare. As soon as he sat down up front, just behind the bus driver, I observed what any hospital nurse might describe as symptoms of schizophrenia- bizarre bodily movements and facial gestures. 60 years ago this fairly young man would be a more or less permanent resident of the State Mental Institution . I think back then it was called " Howard ". The de-institutionalization of the mentally ill beginning in the early 60s was a crime against humanity. And in public libraries you can find whole books confirming this opinion. Where was that disturbed young man on RIPTA bus 21 going after leaving the notorious Harrington Hall in Cranston, Rhode Island ? To notorious Kennedy Plaza in Providence to meet " friends " or to beg for quarters ? When was the last day in his life that showed a little something called PROMISE ? Or just plain HOPE ? What would his family say about his plight ? Everybody born has a mother and a father , often brothers and sisters. Something resembling a " community " .