Jennifer Gale RIP

[Miggy]

This genuinely saddens me.

[quote]Jennifer Gale found dead
By Tony Plohetski | Wednesday, December 17, 2008, 10:42 AM

Jennifer Gale, one of Austin’s most colorful characters and perennial political candidates, has been found dead in Central Austin, authorities said today.

Gale, who was homeless and was a candidate in the upcoming mayoral race, was found sleeping outside the First English Lutheran Church at 3001 Whitis Avenue by a worker about 6 a.m. today, Fire Department spokeswoman Michelle DeCrane said.

The worker returned about an hour later, thought Gale might be in distress, and called 911, DeCrane said.

Austin firefighters at a nearby station responded and began performing CPR, DeCrane said.

Gale routinely attended Austin City Council meetings, county commissioners court and school board meeting, often presenting her political arguments in song. On Tuesday, she sang “Silent Nightâ€

[bradisntclever]

I know, man. She was quite the character and it's a little odd to think that she won't be roaming the streets any more.

She used to spend a lot of down time near the Dobie Mall. She would also hit the nearby Schlotzky's because they had a bunch of computers with free internet access. A LOT of homeless people do the same thing there.

[HerrHerr]

Wow. This is sad.

When I first moved to Austin, I met her when she was out stumping for a city council place. She walked up to another photog and me. She asked us if we would support her in her race and pointed to a list of candidates. Her name was listed along with two or three men's names. The photog asked her which one she was. She replied, "I'm Jennifer of course," with the slightest bit of disdain.

Her TV time on Channel six was often weird yet entertaining. She sang a song once.

[Jeff]

The last time I saw Jennifer was about two weeks ago. I was on the bus, which was where I usually saw her over the last twelve years or so. I told her that I voted No on Austin's recent Prop 2, and she said,"That wasn't very wise" as she exited the bus onto 29th street.

[apiaryist]

I lived at the same apartment for 9 years. I saw her at least twice a week at the 7/11. She was always putting up campaign fliers on telephone poles.

Jennifer was one more piece of the city that kept it from feeling like Houston or Dallas. Sad.

[Miggy]

Tribute at city hall:
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/content/ ... _coun.html


Valerie Romness, chair of the Homeless Media Project (The Advocate),about a service this Sunday for Jennifer Gale:

Sunday Dec 21 11 am

Memorial Tree and Plaque for Jennifer Gale

at south shores of Lady Bird Lake near South 1st Street,
Just west of the gazebo.

We will have a chance to remember and cherish Jennifer

Valerie Romness

P.S. Mobile Loaves and Fishes will be there.

Please forward to those who would like to attend.

And then this from Equality Texas:

Her death points to critical problems faced by the homeless, and especially by homeless women and the transgender homeless. “Jennifer most nights slept outdoors,â€

[kbadr]

Jennifer, we believe, is the 136th person who has died sleeping on the streets (of Austin) over the last 12 months

That's incredibly high for such a small city. How sad.

[Miggy]

and then this from HouseTheHomeless:

Subject: Re: A personal note on Jennifer Gale, community and meaningful memorial

Jennifer was a Homeless Advocate who was both compassionate and a sensitive
soul. She died needlessly on the streets Austin. No one should
live or die on our streets. There are only 600 emergency shelter beds for 4000
people experiencing homelessness in Austin. We don't have adequate healthcare
(mental or physical) and we don't pay living wages so people can work themselves
off of our streets.

She may or may not have died from the cold but she (as so many others like
her , with a severely weakened autoimmune system. Often it is the cold that
takes the final toll. Our response is to clothe people against the elements.
Join us in a tribute to Jennifer. Help us raise the money to put thermal
underwear and winter clothing on every woman, man and child experiencing
homelessness this winter. You can contribute in Jennifer's spirit to:

House the
Homeless @ PO box 2509 Austin, TX 78768
or on line www.HouseTheHomeless.org
Click on menu then click on Clothe the Homeless.

Jennifer, your spirit and your voice will be seriously missed. Semper
Fi.
Richard

Richard R. Troxell
www.HousetheHomeless.org
www.UniversalLivingWage.org
(512) 796-4366

[Miggy]

Jennifer, we believe, is the 136th person who has died sleeping on the streets (of Austin) over the last 12 months

That's incredibly high for such a small city. How sad.

It shocked me, too.

Btw - it's not being mentioned in any of these write-ups for some reason but the reason the tributes all ended with Semper Fi is that she was an ex-marine.

[Jessica]

Considering our murder rate is around 50 a year, it is weird to have so many people die on the streets. Strange comparison maybe.

[kbadr]

Btw - it's not being mentioned in any of these write-ups for some reason but the reason the tributes all ended with Semper Fi is that she was an ex-marine.

I cannot wrap my brain around that tidbit.

[bradisntclever]

Btw - it's not being mentioned in any of these write-ups for some reason but the reason the tributes all ended with Semper Fi is that she was an ex-marine.

I cannot wrap my brain around that tidbit.

Yeah, I was really surprised when I first heard that. But it made her all the more interesting. I wonder what her experience as a marine was like.