Wall of Faces — Street Samaritans

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Wall of Faces

Homelessness does not mean faceless. It does not mean less human. Collaboration with Steve McKenzie.

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I met Josh and Jane on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. They hitched a ride from Nashville and arrived two days prior. They met while traveling and have been together ever since. They don't have a home, but don't mind life on the road. "The toughest part about being out here is finding a bathroom and taking a shower. The best part is the freedom and peace", Josh said. We had a great talk and they were super friendly. Safe travels! #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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William lives under the Kennedy Expressway near Belmont Avenue with 15 other people. He has been here for about two years. Everyone who lives here is a team player. They look out for one another and and are well cared for by the community. They are hoping to transition into normal housing, but for now they are making it where they are. They recently had many of their belongings ruined by heavy rain, but they are resilient and roll with whatever life throws their way. It was a joy talking with William. #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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I met Dennis by the North Avenue exit of the Kennedy Expressway in Chicago. He's been out here for quite a few years. When his wife passed away, it turned his life upside down and he eventually found himself on the street. "Not as many people are out here now (due to Covid-19), so sometimes I go without eating. People think I must be sick." He was also downtown when the riots broke out. "I'd never seen anything like it--little kids throwing bricks through windows and taking whatever they wanted. The police didn't do anything because there were so many people. It's not right...it's not right", he said. Dennis was very friendly and eager to talk. "People need to be kind again", he said. "I don't want to be out here...I'm out here because I have to be out here." #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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Fred stands on the corner of Lake and Clark with a plastic cup. He is actively engaging passersby hoping for a little kindness. It's his corner--he wrote "Fred's corner" on the building in pencil. Despite their indifference, he continues. A salesman in a sense—immune to rejection and surpisingly optimistic. He’s been homeless for some time now and stays in a shelter when he can. Not too long ago, he went to a shelter, but the shelter was full so he slept on the street, “Over there”, he said. What money he receives during the day goes to food and occasionally he’ll ride the train here and there. His optimism is truly inspiring. “God is good”, he said. “I read the Bible and I go to church every Sunday”. Not once did he complain about his life. He said he’s just trying to find his way. He felt lost, not really knowing what to do, or where to turn. Kind of paralyzed, I guess. His dream he said was not “to be a millionaire”, but to have a place to live and have a family. #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. I met Aaron on Washington and Wabash near the Cultural Center. He sleeps on Lower Wacker and needs a bus pass to get around. He was hungry, but was helpful. I told him there was another guy that needed help to get an ID, so he reached inside his backpack and gave me some paperwork from the Secretary of State to help him out. #photosinbetween #rphotographylife #photographer #creativeentrepreneur #photooftheday #lifeofaphotographer #shootandshare #clickmagazine #homeless #homelessness #chicagohomeless #homelessportrait #humansofnewyork #humansofchicago #humanity #homelessportraits #youmatter #alllivesmatter #streetphotographer #streetphotography #streetportrait #chicagopeople #peoplebeautifulpeople #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Wakili is a gentle soul who reminded me of Quinton Aaron who played Michael Oher in "The Blind Side". Some people can be expectedly guarded with strangers, but he was soft-spoken and approachable. He was pushing a shopping cart with a few of his belongings and cardboard signs and was kind enough to engage me for a bit. He said the most important thing he wants people to know that he's a real person and a good person. I believe him. #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Ronnie was on Michigan Avenue near Nordstrom's, leaning up against a flowerbox, all bundled up with jackets and a sleeping bag. She hangs out with her friends James and Ron. Where she was sitting was also the same place they sleep at night. She's been homeless for about two years. She was over in one of the Western neighborhoods, but it was more dangerous there, so now she's here. She's tired of being homeless and wants to get off the street. She's worked in warehouses before, as some waitressing as well. She is need of clothes, including clothes that would help her when she interviews for a job. #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Ryan sells Sun-Times newspapers on the corner of Randolph and Dearborn, by McDonald's. He is always there, with his Sun-times gear on. Today around lunchtime, I saw him panhandling. We talked and he was telling me that he sells papers, but he's trying to do what he can to make more money. The place he stays charges $17 rent per night. There's "chicken wire" around it and people sell drugs there. He said at one point he was staying with a cartel boss, but "you don't cross him or they'll find someone to kill you!" He's been out here for about five years, selling papers. "If I was president", he said, "I'd build housing for the homeless". #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Gregory was sitting near Ohio and Wabash. He was in prison for 17 years. When he got out, "everybody was dead--friends, family..." The hardest thing to adjust to on the outside is people. "Some people are nice...others are not". He's been homeless since he's been out of prison. He's 58 and "just made some bad choices". He knows better now. What he needs is a place to stay. Many of the shelters have bed bugs and he gets all bit up. He is a guardian angel of sorts to women on the bus and train. He said there was a guy bugging a woman on the train and she obviously didn't want to be bothered, so Gregory stepped in and made sure she was safe. He does this on a regular basis and wants to make sure women are safe. He encourages people to "Never give up! When I was in prison, I didn't give up". He said "If I won the lottery, I would build a place where homeless people could live". He wanted nothing for himself--that his desire. I hope he wins... #homelesspeople #helpthehomeless #homelessman #homelesslivesmatter #homelesswomen #homelessoutreach #homelesslife #homelessnessawareness #homelessnothopeless #homelessawareness #homelessguy #homelessministry #homelessphotography #homelessinamerica #homelessfriend #helpingthehomeless #streetpeople #peoplegallery #people_infinity_ #peopleareawesome #peoplesportrait #people_storee #peoplebeautifulpeople #topazlabs #streetsamaritans

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Steven was actively soliciting folks on the Northeast corner of Randolph and Michigan. We shared the same name so we were laughing a bit about that. He's been homeless for a long time. He has a family and kids to feed. He said repeatedly "I need a job". That's his biggest need. He can cook and do janitorial work. Back in the 80's and 90's he got into some trouble and went to jail. That has hindered him from getting a job. He said he's involved in Alcoholics Anonymous. He said, "when you're having a tough day, trust in God". "I opened my eyes today--it's a good day". He was all about living today, because we don't have tomorrow. "Thank you God for food--thank you God for friends--Thank you God that I opened my eyes.!" This man knows the secret to life. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. I was talking to Hilton on the corner of the street and his friend Tim came over. They were friends and we started talking. He asked what I did and I said I work at a radio station. Instantly his eyes lit up and he began to tell me about his experience with audio and video recording. "This could be my chance!", he said. We exchanged contact info, so who knows? You never know what these kinds of connections will lead to. It was fun to talk with him and Hilton. Good guys... #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. James has been out here for about 3 months, on the corner of Wabash and Madison. Regarding homeless folks he said “there are good seeds and bad seeds, but not all of us are bad.” James is one of the good ones. From the outset, he was positive and had a smile on his face. Pretty amazing considering he sleeps on the street every day. Everyone has a story, he said. He wants to know what it feels like to not be in need. He’s trying to make money to get by. I asked where he sleeps, and he pointed over by some stairs. He sleeps where he can. In the wintertime, he’s in the warming shelter. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Gerald's been out here a long time. He grew up in the Bronzeville neighborhood and Altgeld Gardens. His Grandma and Mom raised him. His hip is bad and he can't move around much, so that's limited him ability. He said he is good in the culinary arts, can make pretty much everything and can grill up fantastic meat. If he could have anything, he'd love to cook again. During the wintertime when it's cold, he just medicates his hip. He's been on this corner for quite awhile. To someone who's depressed he'd say, "Just reach out. Talk to a minister, talk to the Salvation Army. Connect with people." He's just trying to make ends meet. "It's a long day out here." Gerald sleeps on Lower Wacker. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Tanya had the most beautiful smile. She was on the State Street bridge by Wacker. Her smile reflected her joy and optimism for life. On the weekends, she works at a handicapped facility and helps take care of them. She makes enough to rent a room, but she needs more money to survive, so that's why she comes out here. She's been out here for about four years. She said, "I'm doing a lot better than what I was" (before she had a part-time job). The most powerful thing she said was, "don't judge a book by it's cover--you've got to read it! Not all homeless people are drug addicts". She feels like people don't really know homeless people. She says if people are down or depressed, just "trust in God". "Any day you wake up is a good day!" Then I left, basking in the glow of her radiant smile. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. I met Gene earlier this year. He and his brother have been homeless for many years and currently live under a bridge in Chicago. The money they raise they use to buy fuel for their stove, which they use to keep warm in the river. You'd never know they were homeless. They are the picture of positivity and like to make people smile, which is why he was dressed up like Santa and ringing a bell. In the summer, Gene sells flowers. In the wintertime, it's easier for him to sell candy bars, which he was doing when I saw him. He is on Santa's "good" list. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Russell sells Streetwise magazines on the Corner of Lake and Clark. My guess is he sells a lot of them from his attitude and positivity. He was smiling even before we started talking. Then he told me he was featured on the inside of this week's issue. Sure enough, he was. This is the kind of guy you want working in your organization. Dedicated, a hard worker, willing to earn his keep in the sun, rain, snow, wind--all with a smile on his face. Good people are everywhere. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. Percy was near Grand Avenue on Michigan Avenue, head hidden with a cardboard sign. He's been homeless for about two years. His biggest need is a place to stay. He's stayed on Lower Wacker, but it's hard to sleep because people try to steal from you and hurt you. He's also had things of his thrown away on the street. He said people walk by him sometimes and roll their eyes. He wants them to know that "we're people too".. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. "Can I please have a blessing?" were the first words I ever heard from Willie. Now I know that HE is a blessing. Not once have I seen Willie in a bad mood. In fact, if I'm feeling down, I'll walk down the street to where Willie is and talk to him, because I know he'll lift me up. Willie is one of the happiest guys I’ve met—always smiling, happy, saying motivational sayings like “I’m too blessed to be stressed!” He’s been out here 21 years, in the same spot, outside of McDonald’s on Wabash Street near Macy's. One time he told me, “I’m the Mayor of Wabash!” but more importantly, "I am a difference maker--I pray for people every day". #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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Fredrick was on the corner of Erie and Michigan, reading. A closer look revealed he was reading the book of Psalms. In his earlier days he drank heavily, which damaged his liver. He has cirrhosis of the liver and hepatitis A, B, and C. So his health is a concern for him. He went to a drug treatment program and is now clean, so for the time being he's trying to raise money so he can go to college at Moody Bible. (He can get free tuition through them). He takes some of the money he receives and actually gives it to others in need on the street. He's concerned about how the winter is going to be this year. He's had a rough few days, so he was kind of depressed about that. His favorite verse in the Bible is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He's tries to be a "light" to the people who pass him by on the street, he said. His ultimate goal is to get into ministry and help other people. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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[Note: This was a conversation I had months before COVID-19. I'm not connecting with anyone during this time]. John sat by the light pole in Daley Plaza, on Dearborn and Washington. In front of him was a picture of his two children and on his lap a pad of art paper, on which you could see an incredible picture of Superman that he had drawn with colored pencils and markers. In the short time I was there the story he was able to tell me was intense and incredible. He went through a divorce and he didn’t have a lawyer, so he lost everything and a week later found himself in a homeless shelter. He was a forklift driver but his real love is art. He’d like to do more because he loves seeing the reactions from people. He doesn’t do much artwork outside now because he needs to take off his gloves to do so and it’s just too cold. He’s stayed down on Lower Wacker before, but he got beat up down there and broke both his arms. I wish I could have talked more with him, but I’ll just have to wait ‘til another day. #salvationarmyus #salarmychicago #thenightministry #a_safe_haven_foundation #facingforwardchicago #sarahs_circle_chicago #national_homeless #revivecenter #debsplacechi #ccofchicago #bridgecommunities #carachicago #fooddepository #inspirationcorporation #northernilfoodbank #chicagotemple #openarmsmin #fourthchurch #streetwise_chi #chicagohomelessness #cclchicago #streetsamaritans #topazlabs

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