Bill Andregg didn't want to fill out any survey.

"Won't do no good," said the gruff 49-year-old. "But maybe one little vote will help."

So Andregg, who said he is a laid-off construction worker living temporarily in shelters, agreed to answer the survey questions put to him at the Denver Rescue Mission.

As for himself, Andregg expects to be back on his feet soon: "I won't be here, but the other guys need help."

He figures he's spent about 30 nights out of the year in shelters or on the street. He relishes the times he has a voucher to pay for a motel, away from all the other guys. "You know how you like that little personal time?" he said.

Fresh from a job in Wyoming, Andregg said he's had hard times in his life. His wandering course was set early, in his 20s, when he did some prison time.

"I've done my time, but it done me no good," he said. "With my criminal background, it's hard to find work. I'm the black sheep of the family. But I'm college educated, done three years in college. I don't drink, do drugs or smoke. But I can't find work."

Family? They're in Missouri.

"I'm almost 50 years old and you think I'm gonna call up my family and say I need help?" Andregg said. "I have my pride."