At Regenesis Reno, we believe change happens with the participation of our community - including those who are unsheltered or currently experiencing homelessness. It is impossible to talk about the Riverhood community without talking about those who live along its banks.
Former veteran Dustin Moore is one of those residents. He’s been living in Brodhead Park for two months. Previously, he lived in Red Bluff, about 30 miles from Chico, California. He came to Reno to be closer to his mother, but after a stint in prison, he lives on the river. Now he hopes to keep the river clean for others.
“California’s not even this bad, and there are way more people,” he says, “It’s worse here than it is in California.” Like Fritsch, Moore works with Grant Denton to pick up trash around the camps along the river.
“We have to do something about it,” he says.
Moore says he finds peace in the river, even when other river residents act up or get into trouble. “it's not drugs that make people bad, it’s people that make people bad. It’s their choices. That’s life and life's terms. You don't get to choose the type of life you live, you just have to deal with it and accept it, and try to make better choices.”
Moore’s no stranger to life’s terms. He was robbed while in prison and is in the process of working with the VA to get his ID, but the process is lengthy and difficult. Still, he’s hoping he can get back on his feet.
When talking about the state of the river, Moore says trash comes first. “It’s inhumane. We’re human beings. We’re not animals.”
It’s not just about trash cans either. “People have to start changing their ways. And you can’t make them. They’re going to have to want it.”