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.

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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."