DULUTH — It’s a sweltering July morning as Nathan Kesti sets off on his second trek of the day through the streets and alleys of downtown Duluth. Behind a storefront, Kesti spots an older man named Ed who’s been in and out of a shelter for the past couple years. He’s recovering from an infected leg.

“How’s it going, Ed?” Kesti asks as he pulls a granola bar and some transit passes from his backpack. “Do you need some Neosporin or anything like that? Have you already had breakfast this morning?”

Ed replies that he’s sore but needs to keep moving because he’s on his way to an appointment. Kesti arranges to meet Ed again that afternoon to give him a small first aid kit.

As they say goodbye, the men exchange a quick fist bump. Kesti says it’s a simple gesture that recognizes Ed’s humanity.

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