Homelessness is a many sided coin. I hope this Gallery affords the viewer a fresh or maybe a fresher view of the human condition. I am not the truth speaker for the homeless people. I listen to their words and I look them in the eyes and they tell me their stories. I respect their words. I am not here to change the people I speak with, but to better understand. I always ask permission, when I approach their space. I explain what I'm doing and what I will be doing with the photos and bios. Most are eager, some wait a moment or two, and some say no. I respect their space. But it is a social and moral issue that is playing out on the streets, parks and sidewalks in many American towns and cities. The world for that matter! I hope this blog helps to bring us closer to each other. It has helped me.
Homelessness. Tough place to be and many people are living in this reality. Also, many people are only a pay check away from having to live on the streets.... I met Pam at this camp site on the sidewalk next to the road in front of a church. As I spoke with her she shared a bit of her life on the street. I asked if I could take her picture but she does not think she is photogenic but allowed me to take her picture as she stood behind the sign. She has been homeless for two years and said she does not want to conform to social rules. With a sweep of her arm to the tents she told me that this is her family now.
Zy Force is the name of this kind hearted person. He was homeless himself for a short while and was able to get up on his feet with the help of others. He now makes a modest living as a Bicycle Taxi. As well as using his Bicycle Taxi for work he fills it with donated food on specific days and does not go home till he has dispersed all of his goods. Zy was doing just that when I met him. He also helps distribute Burritos with a local and successful Burrito Brigade that helps feed anyone in need. A very nice person giving back to his community. Inspiring to say the least. Peace Out!
I came upon these folks sitting, talking and sharing food in an alleyway while on a walk downtown. I asked for permission (I always do) to take their photo. After they asked me few questions the answer was yes. They did not offer their names nor did I ask how they came to be in this situation. The woman highlighted was affectionately rubbing her dogs head and told me, In a loving voice, that her dogs name was Princess. I felt that Princess was her heart string.
BUSKING is defined as playing music or otherwise perform for voluntary donations in the street or subways. This fellow sang country western songs. He had a fine voice and played the guitar well. I don't know his situation, but when he turned around I waved and he smiled and waved back. I don't know if he was homeless. Maybe he just needed extra money for whatever reason. We all seem to need money. It is a fact. Tomorrow when I go to the library I will drop a dollar or two into his guitar case.
This is Doug. He is a 58 year old veteran from Chicago who is homeless and living here the past 2 years. His military service disability was disrupted and his only option was to use local charities inorder to find food and nightly shelter. He is hopeful that his disability will be reestablished soon. Doug said it was a 20 to 80 percent chance that it will be reinstated. I smiled and said I was sure it would be 85 percent in his favor. We both smiled and shook hands.
Some homeless people have addictions. Bear informed me that he and his brother are alcoholics. Bear (with sign) kept showing me his shaking hands (withdrawal he told me) and asked for me to by them beer. I bought them food instead......Bear says he was homeless in Seattle for 4 years before finding his way here where he has been on the streets for another 4 years. He does not like shelters because he says they are dirty and stuff gets stolen. They both looked very, very rough. This situation is a reality. Bear turns 36 on December 21.
A positive outcome. Known as the Bottle Twins these brothers, who were homeless at one point, now make a living collecting and depositing cans and bottles at 10 cents per item. They are supported by the neighborhood as they coordinate their travels with recycling pickup. They are at it day after day, year round, and in all types of weather. They now have an income and a better life.
This is Rod. He is 57 years old and has been homeless since 2002. I asked why such a long time and he told me this story. In 2002 both his parents died within a short time of each other. His wife divorced him and he lost his job. Those are life altering events. He was also struck by a vehicle and had his hip replaced and a rod placed in his leg. It set him back 2 years. He is able to sleep in a church at night and do odd jobs now and then. His spirits seemed good. We shook hands and he said God bless you as I went on my way.
Now 54 years old, Mr. Gonzalez has been homeless for 5 years. He told me that he was bitten by a Brown Recluse spider and as a result had the lower part of his right leg amputated. He also suffered other complications from the bite. He sometimes has a radio playing Mexican music. While I was speaking with Mr. Gonzalez a few people cheerfully greeted him. It is always good to have kind words sent ones way.
Anthony is 28 years old and came to Eugene from Ketchikan, Alaska. He has been homeless for the past 2 years. He was cautious with me even though he agreed with what I was doing. His freedom was all he wanted. I said that freedom was like water, it flows around and through objects till it finds its home, he nodded and said that's right. When I asked for a close-up shot he said to take a picture of him walking away. And I did.
39 year old Mona Lisa Busks for her money. She has been homeless for 4 years and travels from Santa Cruz to Seattle. She wants to bring a smile to peoples faces and the only way Mona Lisa knows how to do that is by being on the corners of the cities singing her heart out.
This is Steven 59 year old Steven. He is fortunate to sleep in a church nearby. Unfortunately the church building will be for sale soon and he will be kicked out, as he says. He was a house painter and has worked odd jobs here and there, but he does not see much of a future for himself. He has been homeless for 9 years. He is articulate and had his own brand of humor. He wants to try to get on disability for a back injury from when he fell off a ladder, but does not want to leave his cart filled with his possessions behind. I hope he figures it out. I hope his motivation for a safer and healthier life sparks.
What is it like being on the edge of homelessness. As I sat down with Rod on the city bench he told me his story. He came from central Oregon and is now living in the garage of an acquaintance. It is a place for him to stay as he looks for work in the city, which is miles away. He has lost his car, his business and his wife is divorcing him. He says it is not a drug issue, or abuse. During this episode in his life, Rod told me that keeping his dignity intact keeps him a step or two or more above despair, because once you despair you begin to crumble and it is hard to put the pieces back together. Rod is articulate, smart, but between a rock and a hard place. He was having a job interview that afternoon which could help save him from homelessness. So many folks are just a pay check away from a life no one wants. We shook hands and parted with words of encouragement and smiles.
69 year old Michael was relaxing on a public bench inside the bus station. He was open to telling me his story. He has been sleeping in bed #29 for one year at a local shelter. One year ago he was evicted from his apartment due to unfortunate circumstances. He spoke of wealthy people leaving him money, but the courts could not find a solution and everything was still in probate. His eyes moved quickly left and right as he spoke. He seemed content and we chatted about life. I am hopeful that Michael stays safe and warm. He asked me to give him a copy of his picture. I have plenty of money, he says, to pay for it, but I declined. I will print a copy and keep an eye out for him.
Strategically located near the downtown library and more important the bus station is a day storage facility operated by an incredibly wonderful organization. This facility allows, for free, storage of personal possessions during the daytime. One constant factor that I have understood is that homeless people have possessions that are important to them. This daytime storage facility allows individuals to walk the streets without fear of being robbed or to store backpacks while they go for a job interview. When people do not have a stable living environment, this type of facility helps so, so much. Opportunities for a better life start with small gifts.
One of the first questions 72 year old JoJo asked me was did I know what HOBO meant? For those who are not familiar with the word HOBO it was a word given to people who road the freight trains across America during the Great Depression looking for work. It means "Helping Other Brothers Out". Thank you JoJo. Since 1994 JoJo has been homeless. He came from Florida a number of years ago. He did not like the heat and humidity so our temperate zone works for him. JoJo looked a bit rough, but he was present. He prefers camping to shelters. He also receives retirement checks after working for years as a construction worker, long haul trucker, plasterer, electrician and a few other skills. He said he was a few weeks away from moving into assisted living. After years outside he said that the change would be good for him. We shook hands and said goodbye.
35 year old Lisa's drug addiction began ten years ago. She has been homeless off and on for the past three years, but the latest stint on the streets has been going on for the past ten months. She does find shelter at warming stations and other facilities, but she did tell me that she had to camp out the night before. It was very rainy that evening. Lisa said drug addiction was her downfall. That is tough. Lisa told me that she has not used for the past four months and that she is actively working towards a rehab opportunity which could come to fruition within the next two weeks. I felt her determination. She has been doing the paper work and face time with professionals in that field. She is very optimistic and I felt her hope. She says she has a fiance and I hope, together, they can find a happier life.
MY FAITH IS IN
(AT ONE WITH)
GOOD = TRUE
(SAME AS)
THE USUAL FIGHT AGAINST OPPRESSION
HAS ME POOR
ANY HELP IS APPRECIATED
41 year old Erinn sat on the street corner outside of a local health food store. Her sign read as above. she was communicating her pain and her hope with anyone who would take the time to read it. She told me that she has been homeless for the past 6 years and that she travelled down from Salem too Eugene 6 months ago. She was quick to smile and wanted to tell me her story of love, hope and secrets. It was a difficult story to understand, but she was passionate and adamant with her feelings and I could feel the truth she shared. Everyone needs to be heard with respect and patients. I asked if she hoped not to be homeless one day and her eyes brightened, her voice lilting as she said "I hope so". We parted with smiles and thank you's.
Temporarily disabled with a recovering broken foot, 52 year old Kate has been homeless for the past 6 months. She said that her boyfriend had a psychotic episode and were given 30 days notice when the police and a crisis assistance vehicle came to their apartment. But just before that occurred she crushed her foot which meant a hospital stay and time in a rehab facility. She said that the grounds for eviction were blown out of proportion and unfair. She did not have a chance to stop the eviction. Kate spends her nights in a tent at a "Dusk To Dawn" camp which is filthy, but somewhat safe. Kate smiled often, was positive and hopeful for a better future.
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