I experienced homelessness in 2014. I had relocated to Middle Tennessee from Bristol, TN to continue my education at MTSU and to heal from the tragic loss of a friend. One day turned into a week, month, then half a year. Meanwhile, back at home, my father lost his home.
Fast forward to the spring of 2016. I was enrolled in Intermediate Black and White Photography, and decided to revisit my old spot on the fourth level of the parking garage at my school where I once lived, to capture photographically what it was like to live in my car. I was struggling to heal from the trauma I had experienced and thought it might help. Spoiler alert: It did. I also wanted to share my personal experience with homelessness in an attempt to combat the stereotyping and stigma that often becomes attached. It is often assumed that the homeless are lazy, drug-addicted, alcoholic, or mentally-ill. The reality is that homelessness can happen to anyone. There are so many variables that can occur that can change a person's life, in an instant. I worked two jobs the entire time I was homeless, but life kept happening. I would save up money then I would have to get my car repaired, help my dad move things out of his house, etc. I still had bills. I had to pay for two storage units, my cell phone, car insurance, gas, groceries, and misc. items such as toiletries. It's not as easy as "get a job and save up" like people may think, especially when you are also attending school full time.
These images were captured on medium format black and white film.
