Jennifer Spangler, 45, left, hugs her fiancee, Geno Reyes, 40, before leaving the warming shelter together on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2019. Since they met one another last year, Spangler and Reyes have supported each other as they struggle with unemployment, homelessness, and addiction.
Spangler changes a bandage on Reyes' back on a street corner in Pueblo. Spangler was a nurse for many years before falling into addiction following the death of her mother in 2012. She says taking care of Reyes, who has chronic pain from a back injury, has helped her find fulfillment again
Reyes and Spangler share a kiss before she goes into the Pueblo soup kitchen for lunch. Reyes was banned from the soup kitchen 11 months ago for fighting, and now he spends lunchtime with friends outside while his fiancee eats.
Spangler said she feels guilty eating without her Fiancee since he was banned from the soup kitchen for fighting, but he insists on her still coming for food. “One hungry mouth is easier than two hungry mouths” she said.
Geno Reyes talks with a woman outside the soup kitchen about possible work. He said the woman comes by once a week or so and pays $10/hr for help cleaning people’s houses.
Jennifer Spangler cries as she talks with reporters about her experiences with homelessness. “There’s days when I’m out there just walking around and I just want to hang a sign on my chest that says, 'Please take a chance on me. Take a chance.' It will be the greatest risk you’ve ever taken, but I’ll show you how much I’ve changed. I’ll show you how much I can give," Spangler said.
Reyes fights with an alleged gang member outside the Pueblo soup kitchen. Reyes used to run with the Crips, he said, though he stopped once he met his fiancee.
Spangler and Reyes talk about where they can go to escape a sudden blizzard. The couple doesn't like going to warming shelters for fear of theft and because they aren't able to share a bed. “I tell her, ‘We’ll get there, Momma. It’ll be fine.' We’re homeless but we’ve got a shelter," said Reyes. "We’ll just keep pounding that pavement. We have to. We’ve got each other, and that’s the most important thing.”