Welcome to
OUR STORIES
Interactive Map of the U.S.A.
"A Message From..." was created out of the desire to illustrate just how pervasive homelessness is throughout the United States, as well as how a life on the streets differs from common social perception.
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Our goal is for our viewers to understand how thin the divide is between watching our videos and being a part of them. We hope that familiarity is acquired, to promote commonplace interactions and re-humanize the homeless.
The videos below and on our YouTube channel, are organized by state illustrated by the interactive map above. Each individual interviewed gives unique insight into what a houseless life in America looks like, and how each state chooses to sympathize with or antagonize one of the country's most struggling populations.
Our stories are our greatest tool.
"Too long."
Several factors play in the duration of an individual being homeless, despite modern myth attributing it to a lack of drive and or mental health issues. With NYC's current housing affordability worsening and the global pandemic, many individuals may find their situation lasting more than in recent years. (SOURCE)
"Unlawful assembly."
The New York State Senate defines this term as "when a person assembles with four or more other persons for the purpose of engaging or preparing to engage in tumultuous and violent conduct likely to cause public alarm. Though it's strange for Joe to be charged with this as one man, unlawful assembly is a common tactic police use to evict the homeless from public spaces, in not only New York, but Connecticut, Los Angeles, and other states. (SOURCE)
FAST FACTS
In recent years, homelessness in New York City has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression. (SOURCE)
Stated in a 2018 HUD report, 14 percent of the nation’s homeless population are in New York City. (SOURCE)
As of 2019, almost 70% of New York City homeless shelter users are families with children. (SOURCE)
AKBAR
How racism has attributed to the health and substance problems of minority communities.
JOHN
"You're rights are taken away because they won't give you a chance."
TJ
"...If you don't pay the fine you end up with 3-4 days... just for panhandling."
CHRIS
"It's losing the livelihood of being somebody, of being more."