A Facebook page I follow, Homeless in Seattle, posted a photo and story about a young single mother in Seattle who has been homeless since 2006. Due to two car accidents that resulted in surgery and illness, she lost everything and now lives in her truck which she uses to earn income by offering hauling and driving services to people without vehicles.
The face of homelessness is not as easily identified as the man standing on the corner with a paper cup. He or she is just as likely to look like everyone else. You might pass them by on the street every day. You might even talk to them without knowing it.
Homeless in Seattle documents the faces and stories of the homeless neighbors of Rex Hohlbein. Through his efforts a community of support now surrounds the men and women he meets, offering services and supplies as needed.
I also found this Kickstarter Project by someone who is documenting the stories of homelessness. Seth Camm has been painting and drawing the faces of homelessness for twelve years to tell their stories.
As America finds itself falling deeper into the grip of the recession, the more the face of the homeless change. These days, most people are only a handful of missed paychecks away from homeless status. For years, the homeless population has cried out for a voice to speak for them. Myself, along with Frank Weiss, hope to be that voice.
Debra R. Borys 