Let me take you by the hand,
I'll walk you through the streets of London,
and show you something,
To make you change your mind.
Back in the 1980's, homelessness in the UK was a problem, and there were many people like this on the streets of London and other towns and cities across the UK.
Now, in the tough economic times that we live it it seems that it is happening again. In 2012 Homelessness grew by 14% to more than 50,000 households in the UK, and that doesn't include people living in hostels or living with friends.On recent trips to London I am seeing an increasing number of homeless people on the streets, and last friday was no exception.
I know this ladies story but she asked me not to print it. Suffice to say, it is connected to the tough times we find ourselves in. You may think that if she is homeless, why does she have a dog? The answer, is for companionship and protection.
She is about my age, makes you think doesn't it? Makes you count your blessings.
It is a horrible indictment of our times, Sean. Your photograph, whilst extremely upsetting, is poignant and issues a statement we need to hear. Thanks.
Sadly definitely a sign of the times, we have it much worse here as we don't even have a welfare system or anything so if you start having problems you are just chucked out of your house & bam that's it! Once you've lost your house etc it's pretty impossible to find a job!
I have to fav this Sean, I think this is an utter disgrace that any human being should be without the basic right to shelter. I could rant on here for ages . I won't but this has touched me - thank you.
@ingrid2101 Me too Ingrid. I have deliberately held this shot back to contrast the shots posted of Piccadilly and Canary Wharf, to show that all that glitters is not gold. I think we have a duty as photographers to show the world as it is where we can.
Unfortunately it is a problem in all western countries, which makes it even sadder because it shouldn't happen. Our countries have the $$ to give all of it's citizens the basic needs they require, but the cash gets squandered away by other things our governments deem as important. Oh and lets not forget about the 1% of the filthy rich whom which many of wouldn't even dare donate a dollar to charity. (not all of course)
Anyway Sean, human society is an enigma. You have captured a very real and sad moment here.
It's unbelievable yet so believable and so sad. You're right about the duty of artists to use their abilities and talents to highlight concerns and needs. Thank you for bringing her to us and I'm impressed that you took the time to reach out to her
FAV - love this shot immensly - the story is powerful and I also agree with @ingrid2101 - no one should have to live on the street - no matter what the circumstances are - AWSOME SHOT my friend.
Homelessness is definitely on the up unfortunately but it always seems so much worse when it's a woman is involved some how.
Every one has the right to a roof over their heads but it's a down wood spiral, no address,no work. just imagine sleeping rough in this cold, you wouldn't let your dog do that.
We are blessed in my rural area that this isn't a problem, but I worked in San Francisco for 29 years, where it is a HUGE problem. Sometimes putting photos and stories out there for the world to see can be of some help.
What an incredible and very powerful photo. It really does make you stop and count your blessings. I admire her courage for letting you take her photo and her strength to share her story with you. I am so glad she has a wonderful companion and protector with her, I am sure she loves her dog very much.
Fantastic in B&W and love how you captured her perfectly. Amazing shot! FAV
You are the sweetest, one of the biggest hearts on 365. Love the composition and edit, those are some very nasty facts you quoted. I keep thinking how easily it can happen --just a few negative events strung together and bang!!! and it could so easily be one of us. Sean, i am so glad she met you that day.
a very dramatic story and image. It really makes you think this time of year when it gets so bitterly cold at night, how lucky we are to be in our warm homes.
Anyway Sean, human society is an enigma. You have captured a very real and sad moment here.
Every one has the right to a roof over their heads but it's a down wood spiral, no address,no work. just imagine sleeping rough in this cold, you wouldn't let your dog do that.
Fantastic in B&W and love how you captured her perfectly. Amazing shot! FAV
I am without words