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Austin, Texas
November, 2020
Texas Homeless Population 2020: est. 25,848
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Susan, of Austin, Texas, is homeless, shoeless, and a drug addict. Living on the city streets just a few blocks from the state capital she has so far avoided COVID-19 by keeping to herself.
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Largely ignored by every person she encounters, Susan, of Austin, Texas, is truly an invisible visible.
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"Not to be rude, I'm just being honest: we avoid COVID because we stick to ourselves and stay away from all the people who are going in and out of of these buildings and interacting with each other." Mark, a disabled veteran, has been living this lifestyle on the streets for some twenty years. He shares his life and his space with his beloved dog, Nana, who receives regular baths, flea and tick treatments and regular veterinary care. Petite, quiet and shy, Mark's girlfriend, Bridgette, does not want her face photographed.
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Mark, Bridgette and Nana live on the street and do not ask for handouts. A source of great comfort to Mark and Bridgette, Nana has a excellent disposition, and is well behaved. Like many homeless people, she seems a bit guarded and reserved as she silently watches everything that is going on around her.
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Mark does not ask for money. He considers himself an entertainer, and has a tip jar for anyone who wishes to reward him for adding a little music to their day. He is happy and intelligent, and is on the veteran's housing list for a permanent home. Mark is looking forward to providing a home for his little family, and warned me to be safe around other parts of town where the homeless are mostly drug addicts, and are considered dangerous. Mark and Bridgette do not drink or take drugs.
Mark was a musician in an eighties hair band, and for the past twenty years plays the drums on Congress Avenue for tips.
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Austin Mayor Steve Adler stressed that decriminalizing city camping it only seems like the homeless population has grown, but it has really just brought people out of the shadows. "They're more visible and I know that it's disconcerting to a lot of people," Adler said.
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One block off Congress Avenue in Austin the homeless use window ledges and doorways for resting and protection from the weather.
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Like a piece of artwork the city backdrops act as a canvas with the subject motionless for the world to see.
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Someone's son lies in filth on the corner of Congress Avenue in Austin, Texas. I photographed this emaciated gentleman shirtless and barefoot for three days as he staggered through the city like a wild horse unable to be caught, only resting when his exhausted body fell to the ground. He is doing nothing illegal as street and city camping have been decriminalized by Austin Mayor Steve Adler.
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Wal-Mart is a local place to panhandle, and with Austin's current ordinance that regulates panhandling (Austin City Solicitation Ordinance 9-4-13, originally adopted in 1992) non-aggressive panhandling is allowed, but there are restrictions on the time, place and manner in which solicitation may legally occur.
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Many panhandlers sit near traffic lights at intersections watching and waiting for cars to stop and give money or food.
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The signs are extremely creative and work as many people will give money and food to Austin panhandlers because this is not an illegal activity, although there are rules in place with respect to time of day and what force is used to get money from passerby's.
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A homeless man in a wheelchair takes a break under the Interstate 38 bridge in Austin, Texas, and another man lights up his cigarette nearby.
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Tents are pitched in under the Interstate 38 bridges around Austin. These tents are not illegal due to Mayor Adler decriminalizing city camping.
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While these people are not always masked, they are considered a family unit because they live together in tents in small groups. Couches, furniture and grocery carts are regular fixtures at the encampments, and garbage is strewn everywhere. The stench is unforgettable.
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Tents are pitched in under the Interstate 38 bridges around Austin. These tents are legal due to Mayor Adler decriminalizing city camping.
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The Transit Empowerment Fund offers deeply discounted or free travel for the homeless or low-income Austin citizens.
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Shopping carts removed from local retail stores are considered stolen property, but are a lifeline to the homeless as they are able collect and keep their possessions together. The carts also allow accessibility for people who are constantly on the move.
Austin, Texas
November, 2020
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