Rabbil was born in Bethesda, Maryland. He is 57 years old and grew up in Benning Heights in D.C.
What was your last job? I worked for 18 years as security at the Smithsonian Institute. I worked all the museums. It was a very exciting job. You get to see the world visit you. Everybody used to come in their cultural dress. I loved it.
What was your favorite museum? My favorite museum was the Air and Space museum. I actually had to fend off protesters a couple of times there and worked at two inaugural balls for President George Bush Sr. and President Bill Clinton. I used to guard the Hope Diamond too; it was boring.
How did you become homeless? After the Smithsonian, I got into an entrepreneurial adventure; I had an Ice Cream truck for 4 years. When the economy went bad and gas prices started going up, I had mechanical problems and my business went under. I lost my home that I had for 7 years. That was in August, 2008.
Why do you sell Street Sense? It beats holding my hand out and shaking a cup.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Retired. At 62, I hope to be retired with Social Security and maybe I’ll be back in business for myself. If I do something, I want to do something for myself.
What are your hobbies? Table Tennis. Back in the day, I had a 2000 rating. I used to play up and down the coast in my youth. I liked swimming too. I still swim, not as often as I used to, but I still do.
