Gregory Coe

Gregory Coe was born and raised in Seattle, and spent some time in Los Angeles and in military service in Germany.

Mr. Coe, over 320 pounds, is trying to lose weight and go back to work. Right now his heft leaves him with low energy and low motivation.

Gregory struggles with an addictive personality. He says he kept the Rainier Brewery in business with his drinking. He traded that abuse of alcohol for an obsession with food.

STRUGGLING TO MOVE: "I struggle to get up and get out of bed. I thought maybe it was depression or something. But, really though, I think it’s just more me just getting motivated, getting up and coming down here. ”

Gregory gets $150 a month in food stamps and is on a sliding scale for rent. He gives some of what little money he makes to a group fighting to save Social Security and Medicare.

Before living in the Frye, Gregory lived at the Downtown Emergency Service Center shelter in Seattle. He said it was better than other shelters in the city. But, he doesn’t want to be homeless again. He says some people on the streets wouldn’t take housing, even if it were offered.

Gregory’s younger brother helps him on occasion, giving him money, taking him to the Target department store and buying him clothing. Gregory likes to go to the movies once a week.