Homelessness' changing image

scottcolbath

I shot this last Saturday at the Starbucks in Ocean Beach. I was just sitting there at 06:00 when in walks this guy. He had on a high end backpack, and a guitar in a case. His clothes are tattered and from looking at him, it no secret he has not had a shave or haircut in a long time. I was curious at that point. Then he pulled out the laptop.

I started up a conversation with him. He worked for many years in L.A., doing the commute from Riverside area like so many do. When the economy tanked, he lost his job and could not find work to sustain himself. He lost it all, but managed to hang on to a few things. He's still looking for work, but not having any luck. He was very articulate and seemed like a smart guy. Some people get out of their groove and have a real tough time ever getting back in it.





S.C.

lizzard_nyc

From the shot, I don't know that I would have guessed homeless.
I do like the contrast between the computer, the coffee and his tattered jacket and the beard and hair.

So is he actually homeless?

I have to say, there are days when I can't splurge on a cup of coffee. So this image kind of gives me pause.
I do like the shot though, it just leaves me scratching my head a bit.

scottcolbath

lizzard_nyc wrote: »

From the shot, I don't know that I would have guessed homeless.
I do like the contrast between the computer, the coffee and his tattered jacket and the beard and hair.

So is he actually homeless?

I have to say, there are days when I can't splurge on a cup of coffee. So this image kind of gives me pause.
I do like the shot though, it just leaves me scratching my head a bit.

Yes, he is homeless, and buying that cup of coffee provides him with free wireless all day to continue his search for a job.

S.C.

Foques

S.C.
Do you happen to have his email contact? My company is rolling out a new project in NY, CA and AZ and we'll be looking for good people.
Seeing that this guy saved his guitar and laptop, and hasn't given up looking for a job after a while makes me think that he may be a decent person in a bad situation, in which case i'd love to help out if I can.

PS he should look into panera bread locations.. they have free internet access with a purchase of, literally, anything (25c for a glass o juice, and you're set).. I did that about 6 years back or so when I was in his shoes..

jpc

I'm not getting the homeless element from the shot, but it's a very interesting story.

Gretchen

I think this is a very interesting photo and it makes you rethink "homelessness". I've got a friend who runs a facility for "homeless" people, and her client base has doubled in the past two years. Normal every day middle class families who you would never think were homeless. Great job.

scottcolbath

Foques wrote: »

S.C.
Do you happen to have his email contact? My company is rolling out a new project in NY, CA and AZ and we'll be looking for good people.
Seeing that this guy saved his guitar and laptop, and hasn't given up looking for a job after a while makes me think that he may be a decent person in a bad situation, in which case i'd love to help out if I can.

PS he should look into panera bread locations.. they have free internet access with a purchase of, literally, anything (25c for a glass o juice, and you're set).. I did that about 6 years back or so when I was in his shoes..

Sorry, I don't have his contact info, but I may be able to get it. I'll get back to you ASAP.

S.C.

scottcolbath

jpc wrote: »

I'm not getting the homeless element from the shot, but it's a very interesting story.

The ratty clothes, hair and beard are something of a tell, but not necessarily enough, I guess. Maybe I could have done a better job of including all his possessions in the picture.

S.C.

scottcolbath

Gretchen wrote: »

I think this is a very interesting photo and it makes you rethink "homelessness". I've got a friend who runs a facility for "homeless" people, and her client base has doubled in the past two years. Normal every day middle class families who you would never think were homeless. Great job.

Thanks, and the homeless person in 2012 is much more likely to have been a person of relatively more privilege than those in years past. Lots of people who, while they may have been employed, may have been overextended. This likely exacerbated and accelerated their spiral downwards in to their current state.

S.C.

lensmole

scottcolbath wrote: »

Thanks, and the homeless person in 2012 is much more likely to have been a person of relatively more privilege than those in years past. Lots of people who, while they may have been employed, may have been overextended. This likely exacerbated and accelerated their spiral downwards in to their current state.

S.C.

Thanks to the biggest Bank Robbery in history !
I think there were lots of people overextended,but they didn't have to move out of their 6 million dollar condos. It's really to bad he couldn't get a bail out.

Moving Pictures

Homeless is a nasty stigma. I've been homeless - twice. I now make a decent wage as the editor of a community paper, and have luxuries - real luxuries - I'd never dared dream of.

It's not where you are in life, it's who you become that matters.

zoomer

Like it, interesting shot and story that goes with it.

anonymouscuban

I like the shot, especially when given context. With that said, nothing wrong with discussing the back story but let's just be careful not to slip into a political debate.

Peace, love and lattes to all.

reyvee61

This picture tells a story that can be interpreted in a few different ways but it's tough times for certain and there are many who are very talented and having a difficult time finding work...

Stella7d

I really like this photo and I love that it's B&W! I think it portrays a new group of homeless people that are emerging! Not all homeless people are skidrow bums. Now days with the economy as it is, we've seen a huge increase in people loosing their jobs, their medical insurance, and eventually their homes and cars! I think the fact that he kept his computer and is searching for work shows determination on his part. I hope his situation improves soon!

sara505

Jesus!

KingdomSeeker

I have almost worn his shoes. In 2008 I was an OTR truck driver and my wife worked and still works at our local hospital. On Sept 11th (of all days) I had a major heart attack. I was unable to work for a year. Since my income was gone, we were unable to pay the copays so the hospital, (mind you the hospital my wife works for) decided to garnish her wages. This left us down to some paydays to $75 for 2 weeks work. Because of her commute distance, this didn't even pay for gas so she slept in her car. Meanwhile we couldn't pay rent, utilities etc. We were evicted from the house we lived in and by the grace of God my family was able to help us got a new apartment. Things are still tough but now I'm working consistent hour and we're able to met our needs most of the time.

Hackbone

What a great shot and story. Wishing him and all those that want to do better the best of luck.

scottcolbath

Foques wrote: »

S.C.
Do you happen to have his email contact? My company is rolling out a new project in NY, CA and AZ and we'll be looking for good people.
Seeing that this guy saved his guitar and laptop, and hasn't given up looking for a job after a while makes me think that he may be a decent person in a bad situation, in which case i'd love to help out if I can.

PS he should look into panera bread locations.. they have free internet access with a purchase of, literally, anything (25c for a glass o juice, and you're set).. I did that about 6 years back or so when I was in his shoes..

I just called the Starbucks, and apparently he has not returned since I called them, but the store manager made sure all employees are aware, and they are watching for him to return. The guy is something of a regular there, so hopefully he's back soon.

S.C.