Idaho Falls homeless man speaks about reality of losing everything

Meet Rocky Lindsay.

Six months ago, he never thought he would be where he is today .

Less than a year ago he had a steady job and a place of his own.

But for the past three months, the City of Refuge shelter has been his home.

Even though he says he’s hit rock bottom, what hurts him most is how society looks at him.

“It’s a misconception that we sit here and do nothing for the community or anything else,” said Lindsay.

Lindsay says what people don’t know is he has a joband volunteers in the community.

“We get a lot of ugly looks people look at us like we’re nothing,” said Lindsay.

Local News 8went out to discover how people in Idaho Falls react when they stop at a red light, look out their window and see a homeless person asking for help.

Local News 8 photographer, Jeff Beery said it was a real eye opener.

“They’re pulling up right next to me with their hands on the wheels and their staring ahead, act like you don’t even exist. I felt like a complete dirtbag, like I didn’t even matter,” said Beery.

Rene Lopez, director of Idaho Falls Rescue Mission, said we shouldn’t be so quick to judge.

“Everywhere you go, you see people outside. They’re not all faking it,” said Lopez.

While he doesn’t encourage you to roll down the windowand give out money he challenges you to keep an open mind.

After all, Lopez says this could happen to anyone.

“We have here a lot of men who have simply just lost their way. They’ve lost their jobs for whatever reason and this is just where they’re at”

Lindsay said he used to look down on people in his current situation.

That’s why he has a special message for you.

“Cherish everything you have, don’t ever take it for granted. Don’t. I took a lot of things for granted and it’s not worth it,” said Lindsay.

Even though this is Lindsay’s life now, it’s not holding him back. He’s saving up money for a home to call his own.

From Bonneville to Lemhi counties, the two main causes of homelessness are unemployment and the lack of affordable housing.