I took these photos riding the 6 train this past Sunday, going to church in the morning. As with any picture of the homeless I take it is not for anything but to remind people of who we have neglected. The purpose of this photo was similar, however, what is not shown (purposely) is the ethnicity of the individual (I think the gentleman is either Indian, Middle East or Latino). Significant to me because the face of the homeless to me is usually Black, white and sometimes Latino. I am seeing more people of other races today sleeping on trains and in stairwells.
The gentleman made me think about my conservative friend who thinks people like him don't deserve assistance (I firmly believe welfare should exist to assist not only the homeless but the unemployable). My "On the right side" friend basically says "fuck them" (not in those EXACT words).
On this Sunday morning I was rushing to church (I am always rushing...bad habit) and had to stop at Dunkin Donuts on the way. Long story short I ended up giving the guy my breakfast. I didn't feel right eating them while sitting directly across from him. Once the guy woke up I asked if he was hungry and offered my french crullers. He took them, without saying a word and put them in one of the bags in the picture.
Every person sleeping on the subway has their own story whether it me mental illness or a lost job or whatever. It doesn't matter. There should be methods to assist the hungry and there should be methods to assist the general homeless person and the homeless with mental or emotional health issues.
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