Powerful Photo Series Shows Homeless People Dressed As Their Life Dreams

Homelessness is an enormous problem that plagues the United States and other parts of the world. Last year, it was estimated that roughly 500,000 people were homeless in the United States, with roughly a quarter of them being children. Mental health issues, poverty, substance abuse, and stagnant wages have all contribute to this large number that governments at the local and federal level are desperately trying to lower. 

Photographer Horia Manolache was shocked when he noticed the considerable homeless population upon moving to San Francisco. In 2015, the city had 7,539 homeless people, a number that had been progressively increasing over the last several years. To bring awareness to such a big problem in his city, he decided that it was time to show that these people are just like you and me. They have dreams and aspirations too but at some point became isolated in a world that doesn't understand their problems. Manolache's photo series The Prince and the Pauper was aimed at showing homeless people in San Francisco as they are now next to the person they wish they would have become. 

These photos are incredibly powerful, and you should definitely see them for yourself.

Leave a COMMENT on Facebook letting us know your thoughts on this devastating problem and powerful photo series. 

1. Shad

Shad became homeless after his girlfriend stole his wallet and his identity was stolen. His life became incredibly overwhelming after his credit score plummeted. Manolache said that "he didn’t have a moment to stop and think what his dreams were."

2. Max

Manolache says, "Max is a Vietnam and Gulf war veteran," having served in the army for 43 years. Max explained to Manolache that, upon returning from war, he gave up on life completely. Alcohol and other health problems now plague his life. One major regret he has in his life is not talking with his daughter more often. 

3. Mike

Originally from Ohio, Mike ran away from his state after police caught him smoking marijuana. Fortunately, he is rebuilding his life thanks to an organization in San Francisco. 

4. Tammy

“Tammy is a star on Height Street in San Francisco. If she can’t bring a smile to your face, then nobody will. Her biggest pain is that her grandmother and her first husband took her kids away from her,” saidManolache.

5. Henry 

Originally from Mississippi, Henry is a recovering drug addict who helps an organization that takes care of homeless people.

6. Bill

Bill ran away from his home state to avoid jail time. He expressed to Manolache that he really wanted to send this picture to his mother who has Alzheimer's. 

7. Frank

Frank, who Manolache says "is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met," eventually became homeless after succumbing to drug addiction. 

8. Honey

Honey ran away from her abusive husband. She currently lives in a park and plays ukulele for money. 

9. Pops

"Pops was in the Vietnam war also," said Manolache. He started doing drugs and lost his job as an engineer. He still currently struggles with an alcohol addiction. 

10. Hatter

Hatter lost his event planning business in California after an underage person was caught at one of the events. 

11. Jennifer

This woman came from Ireland at some point with her ex-husband, but they ultimately divorced. Manolache says "she is very shy when she is sober."

12. McKayas

This man has moved between several countries including Mexico, Hawaii, Indonesia, Panama, Bolivia, Costa Rica, and Peru. Manolache says, "He is proud that his parents were part of the hippie movement in the ‘60s."

Father Photographs Autistic Son's Daily Quirky Habits

There is still so much about autism that we don't understand and even more that we are still learning about it. Though we try to explain it, there are some things that just won't make sense to us. To connect with his son more and try to see the world through his eyes, one father started photographing the quirks and habits of his son even before he was diagnosed with autism. What started as something for his own understanding and a bonding experience within his family has ended up showing others what autism can look like and just how beautiful and unique it can be.

Photographer Timothy Archibald’s oldest son, Elijah, was born in 2001.

When he turned five, the two started taking photographs together with Elijah as the model.

It started as a way to better understand each other.

Not long after they started taking the photos, Elijah was diagnosed on the autistic spectrum.

This helped Timothy understand his son’s behavior more, but he still wanted to learn how to connect emotionally with him.

He named the series of photos "Echolilia," which is another way of spelling "echolalia."

Echolalia is used to describe verbal repetition and copying found in children with autism.

Sometimes Timothy directs Elijah in their photos, but many times Elijah does his own thing unexpectedly.

Together, they look at the photos and try to make them better.

“I liked the idea of turning creative control over to a child, while I operate the camera."

This series has helped Timothy not only understand his son more but also accept that he can’t control every situation.

 He always recognized that Elijah was different, but he wants his son to remember that and see it as a good thing.

"I never wanted [Eli] to think that he was normal."

"I wanted him to be aware of how different he was and see that as an asset."

Echolilia can also teach others what autism looks like.

Even though there are similarities from person to person, the autism spectrum is vast and each person that falls into it is unique.

 

Elijah is someone who can introduce us to new perspectives in life.

His dad is just one of the people who has been touched by someone with autism and, like many things, it has made his life richer and fuller.

SHARE if autism has touched your life in some way.