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Outside and inside Tom's tent. Tom, 39, is bipolar, collects disability, tried to commit suicide three times and hasn't worked since 1999, when he had a job at a fruit and vegetable distribution warehouse. He quitted during the GOP National Convention that year, but not for political reason. He simply freaked out. He was making $10.25 an hour, double that for overtime.

Tom is from Port Richmond, a working class, traditionally Irish neighborhood, but now becoming more mixed. His dad was a home builder and has a million dollar house in New Jersey. Father and son don't get along, "not since I was four," so Tom is homeless and living in a tent at Occupy Philly. What you see in the tent is all that he owns.

Tom pointed to all the high rises around us, "Bank! Bank! Bank! Bank!" He said that he was very moved by marching the other day, that he belonged in this tent city, and that, "For the first time in my life, I feel that I matter."

For just $20 a month, Tom joined Bally Health Club, so that's where he takes his showers, and the Quaker Meeting House, two blocks away, allows protesters to use its kitchen.

As we were talking, Carlos Santiago walked by. Carlos said that he was now making money four different ways: tutoring kids, teaching kids chess, working at a farmers' market and busking. Carlos is a truly excellent violin player.

Tom asked Carlos about the farmers' market job. He is also trying to get a job as a delivery driver.



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