Homeless & Human
At a time when the refugee crisis is in the media spotlight, it is important not to neglect the many others who face similarly difficult circumstances of life on the streets. In Paris alone, there is a large population of homeless people, their numbers rocketing by 50% since 2001. But they are still a part of a society; they are humans, each with a story to tell.
I decided to photograph and interview SDFs (sans domicile fixe) in Paris who were willing to participate, asking for a picture and a quote about life on the streets, a piece of advice, or something as simple as their favorite color. Some call the shadows of a bridge home only temporarily, hunting for work while others have stayed for years. And in some cases, there are even those who have chosen this life, surviving outside of society's standard framework. Although I was able to speak to most of them, a few did not speak French or English, or preferred not to give a statement.
Here are their voices.
"Before you make a decision or say something, count to ten and think: 'is this right or wrong?'
A lot of people don't count, but if you count, you'll learn."
"What does it say?"
"My English isn't perfect, but it means 'You cannot turn blood into water.'
It's not finished yet, the rest of the drawing is still in my mind."
No comment. Taken in the fifth arrondissement.
"I'm not photogenic, but you can take a picture of the dog."
"Awesome! Would you tell me something about yourself? A message you'd like to pass on?"
"What can I say about myself? I'm an anarchist, I love punk. Oh, and vive les chiens!"
No comment. Taken at the metro station Cardinal Lemoine.
Fait la teuf, pas la geurre!
(Make parties, not war!)
"What can you tell me about yourself?"
"Um."
"Your favorite color?"
"Uh..."
"Blue?"
"Yes, blue! How did you know?"
He then reached in for a hug.
"I've been here since 83'. I tried the suburbs for a little while but Paris is better."
All photographs by Melissa Monique Halabe.
