For the past couple of years I have been photographing individuals experiencing homelessness, with the help of Hudson River Housing, a non-profit in Poughkeepsie, NY.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, in 2020 there were upwards of 580,000 people experiencing homelessness in this country. The states and locations that have the highest percentage of homeless individuals are New York, California, Hawaii, and Washington DC.
Reasons for homelessness include mental illness, lack of affordable housing, substance abuse, medical emergencies, and unforeseen financial burdens.
Ed – from homeless to housing
I followed Ed for a year and a half while he lived in his car, and eventually moved into affordable Section 8 permanent housing.
Mary – from the street to the shelter
I met Mary on the street in Poughkeepsie. She has Schizophrenia, and is considered chronically homeless. On this day I walked with her from Main St. to the only overnight shelter in Dutchess County, NY, where she had dinner, showered, and went to bed.
