Noted street character returns to Memphis | News

A sharp eyed Action News 5 viewer spotted a young man named Carl Brown, Jr. panhandling at his old spot - the busy intersection of Poplar and Ridgeway on Thursday, February 16.

The compassionate viewer was concerned about Carl's renewed begging because he'd been the focus of an outpouring of generosity as reported in this space last summer.

You may recall our story about Carl.

When we last reported on Carl's roller-coaster life story, he was on an upward trend out of homelessness, boarding a flight to Seattle, WA.

A group of Memphians led by Tom Lewis and his wife, Dr. Cathy Schanzer, rallied around the young man, bought him a plane ticket after literally going to the section of Ridgeway between Poplar and Park and helping Carl beg. The "Send Carl to Seattle" campaign raised $2528.20 in a matter of a few days and helped the victim of a massive head injury due to a motorcycle accident start over in the Pacific Northwest.

Carl carried a check for the above amount to Seattle where his father lives.

The once homeless Memphian reunited with his Dad. Tom reports that Carl did well living in Seattle for about six months but "could not get comfortable" in the new living arrangements with his father and extended family.

So Tom says Carl returned to Memphis last Friday, February 10. Carl also returned to his old fund raising activities, begging with a sign at the busy East Memphis crossroads.

Tom says Carl called him February 16.

Tom picked up Carl at Poplar and Ridgeway and drove him to his grandmother's home where Tom says the young man has promised to stay while a solution to his renewed homelessness is resolved.

Tom says Carl has a little money and is looking to do volunteer work while he awaits the next indicated step in his struggle. Carl reported that he's receiving a monthly disability check of $800. Tom says Carl has promised to stay off the streets. Tom says you "never know about these things. But on the balance, he seems to be making progress." It looks like the next chapter of Carl Brown, Jr's story will be written in Memphis.

Once again, the compassion of the community will be tested by a young man who has returned to the city where he feels at home.