The stereotypical image of the homeless revolves around a perception that these are people who are socially deviant in some ways—for instance, the words “addict” and “criminal” may come to mind.
To change this inaccurate image, and to show that anyone can fall through the cracks of society, photographer and animator Rosie Holtom embarked on a portrait project that aims to put the homeless in a positive light.
Having volunteered at Shelter from the Storm for years, Holtom has met many interesting people with inspiring stories that contradict the homeless stereotype—by photographing 13 of such individuals, she brought across the “real” sides of her subjects, and their unexpected ordinariness.
From women who have escaped from sex trafficking to unfortunate souls who lost their homes to corrupt landlords, these photographs show their subjects as they really are, instead of through the distorting filter of poverty.
View the entire photo series over here—does this change your idea of who the homeless are?
[via My Modern Met]