According to official sources, approximately 33 000* people experience homelessness in Poland and 84%* of them are men.

Nevertheless, some NGOs highlight the fact that the numbers are higher. 

With this series of pictures I wanted to give us food for thought and remind us that homelessness can take on many different faces and is caused by various reasons. That exiting “life on the street” requires determination and work on oneself.  Also, a bit of luck is necessary: firstly, someone must lend a helping hand, and then the person in need must be willing to grasp it.

 

I met the protagonists of my series at a shelter for homeless people in Poland.

Reaching this place is often the first step in securing basic needs, including a permanent roof over their heads. Some of the residents have lost their homes as a result of evictions or conflicts with their family. Some of them are struggling with drug or alcohol addictions. Some have felt homeless for 15 or 20 years.  Some spent some time in jail. 

Some spend a few days, weeks or months in the shelter, while a minority stays 2-3 years. Some might feel lost at the beginning, some might still not overcome their addiction and return to the street.

However, part of them undertake therapies, the vast majority find jobs and move out into training or social housing as a next step.

 

In a society where it is easy for us to label people, I wanted us to see the nuances and complexity of the stories behind the people and what we see.

I often heard from my protagonists that they owed a lot to the care and help of the shelter's staff, that if it wasn't for the good people they met on their life path, they probably wouldn't be here with the hope for a better future.

 

I was able to realize this initiative thanks to the courtesy of the shelter’s staff and their residents. Special thanks - for their trust, the opportunity to talk and take pictures - go to Małgorzata, Mariusz and my protagonists.

I root for you.

 

*Ministry of Family and Social Policy of the Republic of Poland