Home » Culture & Society » Social Issues » Homelessness

Your Comments About Homeless In America

From the lens Homeless In America.

  • kimmanleyort May 23, 2012 @ 10:53 am | delete
    Nominating this lens for best lens ever. And, thanks for all the work you are doing bringing attention to what's going on in this country.
  • Steve_Kaye Apr 8, 2012 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    These photos are frightening and tragic. Thank you for publishing this lens. This is a story that needs to be told.
  • HSSchulte Feb 22, 2012 @ 7:47 pm | delete
    I just came back to bless this again.
  • Tolovaj Jan 1, 2012 @ 3:15 am | delete
    Being homeless is growing problem in Slovenia too. I believe we can improve the situation if we stop thinking about homelessness as situation of 'other people'. It can happen to anybody. And everybody should have another chance to get his home back. Your lens is step in right direction, thanks.
  • pheonix76 Nov 30, 2011 @ 12:15 am | delete
    This is a moving lens. Thank you for sharing.
  • Jewelsofawe Nov 18, 2011 @ 2:46 pm | delete
    This lens is so poignant to me. Blessing it!
  • LeanneChesser Nov 12, 2011 @ 10:34 am | delete
    I'm here as part of the quest to thank a lensmaster who has been particularly helpful in some way. I thank you, MiMi, for being such a support to me in the past. I appreciate your encouragement, your giving heart, the chance to write on your blog, your celebration of high quality lenses on Squidoo, and all the beautiful lenses you've created yourself.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Nov 9, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    I am making a return visit here as a part of the "Thanks Pal" Quest. It was important to me to publicly thank you for being such a powerful force in the lives of your Squidoo colleagues and friends. I have especially appreciated your generosity of spirit and your gracious comments. Your blessings do so much to affirm and elevate those of us who hope to someday be as respected as you are. I am grateful for your constant encouragement and support. Thank you, MiMi. You are a joy!
  • sousababy Nov 6, 2011 @ 8:43 pm | delete
    Came back to google +1 this gem (good to see a purple star on it too). Sincerely, Rose
  • sousababy Nov 6, 2011 @ 8:42 pm | delete
    I don't know how I missed this lens of yours before, it's incredible. Adding it straight away to 'Living Articles on Squidoo.' You've done a fabulous job of capturing the human behind these faces - it wouldn't take much for many folks to be homeless (even here in Canada). Thank you for being a voice for those who have none.
    Fondly,
    Rose
  • fugeecat Oct 30, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    The pictures and stories make the people more real than when you just past by someone.
  • marymc Oct 24, 2011 @ 9:25 am | delete
    Can not begin to tell you how this photo essay has touched me. I am putting a link to it on my facebook and also tweet it. I pray those who see and read are as touched as I am and will help support those who help the homeless. God Bless.
  • GrowWear Oct 24, 2011 @ 10:03 am | delete
    Thank you very kindly. Indeed, this page has touched a lot of hearts, and I hope your Facebook and Twitter friends will be touched by it as well.
  • BucketTrucks Oct 18, 2011 @ 8:24 am | delete
    Great lens!
  • Clinton in Kentucky Oct 11, 2011 @ 3:30 am | delete
    I don't even know what to say, here. I can't breathe, it seems. Or maybe I won't breathe again. Not the same way, at least.

    Each photo brings me closer to running away from this screen, but I can't move my legs. These are human beings. I say it as if it needs to be said. Maybe I needed to convince myself of the fact. God, I hope that's not the case.

    The only words I can manage to type that mean anything at all are these: what can I do to help?
  • GrowWear Oct 11, 2011 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    Thank you for your comment, a very powerful comment, indeed. ...Donations at Tom's site are always welcome. Also, you might consider these suggestions: http://www.squidoo.com/homeless-care-packages
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Sep 30, 2011 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    These portraits have stopped me in my tracks. I keep returning to the faces. Any one of us could be featured here. Easily. Why isn't it me? I think of grace. This web site will be on my heart and mind for a very long time. I pray I don't forget. These beautiful souls deserve, at the very least, that we hold them close to our hearts, and keep them in our prayers. Of course, if given the choice, I believe they might ask for something more tangible. And so I ponder what my concrete actions will be. I better not think about it too long. Warm food and warm clothing trumps good intentions. **Blessed**
  • KitandCaboodle Sep 10, 2011 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    Thanks for putting faces to the homeless and being their voice.
  • AvidArchie Sep 10, 2011 @ 11:40 am | delete
    This is hands done the most moving lens I have read. Everything about it is perfect, from the photographs to the stories to the all lowercase typing. This is a brilliant piece and wonderful tribute. I hope that this does raise a lot of awareness and unleashes a lot of emotion. Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece.
  • Kylyssa Sep 4, 2011 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    "Blessed" by a Labor Day SquidAngel. Thank you for creating this important page about homeless people in America.
  • bakerwoman Sep 3, 2011 @ 10:58 pm | delete
    It is shame that there are so many homeless people. No place to call home, no safe place to sleep and call your own space. Thank you for sharing and opening our eyes to a big problem in America. Blessed.
  • fireblazzer Aug 30, 2011 @ 2:43 am | delete
    i really wish people had more help!
  • pangaloon Aug 29, 2011 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    I found this lens quite heart wrenching. I have been homeless twice before, so I can resonate completely. I loved the freedom of not being part of the system, but disliked the vulnerability of not having a safe secure place to live. The photographs are incredibly moving and poignant.
  • RhondaSueDavis Aug 18, 2011 @ 3:25 am | delete
    Thank you for this lens. I featured it at the end of my blog post for today about a homeless village that the county and cities are looking to approve or not in the next couple of weeks.
  • RhondaSueDavis Aug 18, 2011 @ 12:39 am | delete
    Our community is looking to make a permanent site for homeless residents. It may end up across the street from our neighborhood. What an opportunity to bring in lessons in love, life, and loss to all. Those with nothing often have more than most, just not much place left to share it.
  • Light-in-me Aug 14, 2011 @ 7:50 pm | delete
    I am so moved by this, all of them move me. The man (broken down) and the boy (on the road) It just breaks my heart. Thank you for taking the time to make this special lens.
    Robin
  • Blessedmombygrace Aug 13, 2011 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    Amazing and beautiful photography. Beautifully presented. What a powerful lens.
  • LisaAuch Aug 10, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Whilst out and about on a Special quest for the angels, I wanted to drop on by and give you a magic angels dusting - Blessed-Because this page is just wonderful
  • Momsbusy247 Aug 10, 2011 @ 11:28 am | delete
    Had to come back and bless this lens! Wonderful job.
  • Jewelsofawe Aug 2, 2011 @ 1:12 pm | delete
    This lens is so poignant. I have been to a number of times before, but had to come back again. The photography and lens is so wonderfully done.
  • HSSchulte Jul 18, 2011 @ 1:09 pm | delete
    When I think of my favorite lenses on Squidoo, I always think of this one. It is likely the most moving piece of writing I've ever seen. I'm revisiting for the purpose of linking in my latest charity lens.
  • GrowWear Jul 25, 2011 @ 9:58 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for that. Have always been touched by Tom's work and am so thankful that he let me create this page using his beautiful words and photographs.
  • TIRMassageStone Jun 29, 2011 @ 10:21 am | delete
    Very touching work, makes homelessness an a real and personal issue..
  • brendayoungerman Jun 18, 2011 @ 8:58 pm | delete
    Amazing lens...I just featured it on mine!
  • hamshi5433 May 24, 2011 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    Exellent work done here. weldone=]
  • mrniceguy11 May 19, 2011 @ 7:42 pm | delete
    Absolutely captivating
  • vermontmom May 19, 2011 @ 5:42 am | delete
    Powerful and important.
  • Connie May 4, 2011 @ 1:03 pm | delete
    Wow.. this is excellent work.. I agree each one of us need to recognize the need and each day.. decide to do something about it.
  • mattseefood May 3, 2011 @ 2:10 am | delete
    Great and inspiring! Thanks :)
  • chrispell017 May 2, 2011 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    very nice lens!
  • LensSeller May 2, 2011 @ 6:31 am | delete
    Really touched by this lens - very powerful.
  • delainam May 1, 2011 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Great Lens. Thank you for promoting awareness.
  • sluggasteve Apr 26, 2011 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    Completely moved by all of this. Great job.
  • Robin S. Apr 24, 2011 @ 1:39 pm | delete
    Amazing photos, Tom. As a photo/video journalist intent on making photo/video documentaries, I found your photos and descriptions fantastic.
  • miaponzo Apr 16, 2011 @ 6:55 am | delete
    Where but for the grace of God go I..... I have always lived in fear of ending up on the streets.. and I am a single mother with the responsibility of 4 children (who are now grown) on my head... it's hard.. you never know.. now I'm worried that my son might end up like this.. God help him and help us all..
  • bossypants Apr 8, 2011 @ 10:43 am | delete
    Amazingly moving lens. I know I will never look at people on the street in the same way. Congratulations on the well deserved recognition this lens has received.
  • awelldressedbullet Apr 1, 2011 @ 8:02 am | delete
    ~ Dropping by to leave my Angels April Fools' Day Quest Blessings ~
  • aesta1 Apr 1, 2011 @ 2:59 am | delete
    Came back to give this my April Fools blessing!
  • Philippians468 Mar 31, 2011 @ 10:19 am | delete
    this is a powerful and moving lens. thank you for sharing.
  • JoshK47 Mar 31, 2011 @ 8:21 am | delete
    Absolutely amazing and heartbreaking - thank you for sharing these with us here.
  • RGebbiePhoto Mar 26, 2011 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens, I wish more people would take the time to care, thanks for sharing. I put this on our lens roll articles about life on Fremont street.
  • aesta1 Mar 24, 2011 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    Am back to let you know I have featured this and Hungry in America in my lens, @america.
  • LikinTrikin Mar 22, 2011 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    I was very moved by your lens. Very sad situation but a beautiful thing for you to do
  • annette Mar 8, 2011 @ 10:02 am | delete
    It make me sad on the inside to see people suffer like that. I wish that it was something that we as people could do to help end homelessness.
  • grandma_deal Mar 5, 2011 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    This is a very touching lens. The man's photos make me just sad. I do what I can for the homeless in my community, but it's not much.
  • AnneVis Feb 23, 2011 @ 4:14 am | delete
    Impressive ... and heartbreaking ...
  • sagebrush_mama Feb 22, 2011 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Wow...very powerful lens!
  • ShirlW Feb 18, 2011 @ 7:29 pm | delete
    stopping back by to drop of a blessing from a Culture & Society Angel.
  • Waxing-Lyrical Feb 14, 2011 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    Returning to leave a special Valentine's Day blessing :)
  • Jack2205 Feb 9, 2011 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    Excellent lens. Blessed by the Charities Squid Angel.
  • Momsbusy247 Feb 9, 2011 @ 12:32 am | delete
    Wonderful pictures, wonderful stories, wonderful cause!! Wake up America!!
  • Sharon Padgett Feb 8, 2011 @ 9:07 am | delete
    I think that poverty is out of control in our society. But it is because we choose to sit back and do nothing. The homeless are people too and just need our help. So lend a hand when you can.
  • Rafick Jan 24, 2011 @ 3:26 am | delete
    Another great lens, GrorWear.
  • Luminosity Jan 20, 2011 @ 9:18 am | delete
    These are our faces, often times we choose to forget them, or ignore them but they are our faces. So in the mirror see them for they are us.
  • Positivevibestechnician Jan 19, 2011 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    amazing stories and photography.
  • jonart Jan 15, 2011 @ 1:24 pm | delete
    There but for the grace of God.................very impactive lens that I won't soon forget.
  • yourgoldenfuture Jan 11, 2011 @ 4:32 pm | delete
    makes one cry ...esp. gabriel who died too early...two sides of the medal..billionaires having soo much they dont know what to do with and then those who don´t have a dollar a day...
  • Sugar Jan 4, 2011 @ 5:27 am | delete
    Wonderful lens! Thank you for putting it out there! √ Favorite!
  • shelter dweller Jan 3, 2011 @ 7:51 pm | delete
    Your pictures are amazing and so is the understanding and compassion you show. I am currently living the nightmare and could really relate to the lady in her 50ties unable to get a job. After my husband's log term terminal illness l lost our home to foreclosure and 4 years of medical expenses had wiped out our resources. Currently I am living in a shelter and finishing my psych degree. I used to volunteer in soup kitchens and bring food to people living under bridges, I never thought I would be one of them.
  • ronpass Jan 1, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    Whose reality counts? It is so easy to overlook the person behind the homelessness - their origins, influences, success and failures, life choices and consequences so often beyond their control. This is a very moving insight into what is one of our greatest challenges - helping the homeless.
  • dc64 Dec 28, 2010 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    I feel for these people, especially since I've been homeless before. People have a tendency to think of the homeless as lazy, drunk, ne'er-do-wells, but many times it is not like that. Thanks for bringing attention to the photography and story behind their pictures.
  • Michey Dec 4, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete
    This is a breaking heart lens, which has a noble propose of awareness, I bless this lens from the bottom of my soul.
    Thanks for creating this lens
  • gypsyman27 Nov 29, 2010 @ 11:47 am | delete
    I was a volunteer at a soup kitchen and a homeless shelter in Colorado. Some people actually take advantage of homeless people in ways you can't imagine. Great lens, see you around the galaxy...
  • sheilamarie Nov 26, 2010 @ 1:39 am | delete
    It's a mystery how some people end up on the street. I have known many. Each one is a pearl. Such wounds.
  • Sherrill Nov 24, 2010 @ 11:48 pm | delete
    It seems like such a little thing to pass a panhandler on the street, but each of them is someone's daughter, someone's son...and each one breaks my heart. My church feeds the homeless once a month...little enough for the need. Where is the TRUE help for these people? Thank you for the heart-wrenching pictures...
  • Nov 24, 2010 @ 9:12 am | delete
    You did a great job on this lens. i can't say anything bad about it, but say great job!!
  • SEOtoppage Nov 22, 2010 @ 6:46 am | delete
    very moving.
    With hope and kindness from us all these lost souls could be saved..how can we ignore this problem. God bless all the people mentioned above and their families.
  • Tyler Nov 13, 2010 @ 9:12 pm | delete
    Thank you for sharing! I am currently earning my social work degree in college and I want to work with the homeless and oppressed in America. Thank you for all you are doing!
  • SandraD Nov 4, 2010 @ 8:59 am | delete
    We all like to believe this only happens to others; it's real. It could be anyone of us at anytime. Thank you for sharing; these cut right to the core.
  • lisychristom Oct 30, 2010 @ 6:43 am | delete
    One of the ambitions of my life is to give an uplifting hand to this type of people. I think I am going to.
  • Ladymermaid Oct 22, 2010 @ 1:05 pm | delete
    Photos that cut through the heart...
  • PinkyTinky Oct 22, 2010 @ 7:02 am | delete
    really moving, thank you
  • NaeNae Oct 20, 2010 @ 2:23 pm | delete
    After seeing these photos I realize that poverty is a bigger problem then I thought. I really want to help...so should you.
  • NETTIE Nov 9, 2010 @ 11:25 am | delete
    I agree with u NaeNae. I work in a community center and we feed the homeless twice a week and I've come to know the guys that we serve the lunches to and they are very intelligent men. I wish I had a place for them to come too and receive a warm meal. They tell us not to get attached to them but how can you not see them and feel for them. Sometimes they just want to talk and so I grab a milk create and I talk to them and people look at me like I'm crazy because I'm talking and laughing with a bunch of homeless men but it don't bother me they are really nice people.
  • rachsue Oct 18, 2010 @ 10:12 am | delete
    This is a lens that all need to see. Poverty and homelessness is unfortunately on the rise in every city and seeing it through their eyes gives a different perception. We cant always walk the other way, we need to do something to try to stop this. We all think the stress in our lives is astronomical, can we only imagine their stresses.

    This was a very touching lens. Thank you for sharing!!
  • SereneSea Oct 16, 2010 @ 12:17 pm | delete
    Very thought provoking lens; with all the advancement in the technology and science we are still not able to eradicate poverty from the world. Why don't we think about our brothers and sisters scattered all around the world?
  • DanielleLynn Oct 15, 2010 @ 12:29 am | delete
    This is a very touching and moving lens... thank you for taking the time and care to craft it for us to look at. I could get lost in the photos for hours, thinking about what these people must go through. My prayers are with them
  • Oct 13, 2010 @ 4:44 am | delete
    Such beautiful, emotion filled photographs of such sorrow and sadness.
    I am very aware of the line that divides myself and the homeless. Many years ago I could barely see it the line...very scary and at the same time almost tempting. Today it's a lot brighter and I can easily see it, but I know it's there, waiting...waiting to trip me up.
  • ClassyGals Oct 8, 2010 @ 9:03 pm | delete
    My heart goes out for the homeless people in American, there are far too many. Thanks for this lens.
  • drifter0658 Oct 8, 2010 @ 8:59 pm | delete
    Although greater angels than have tread here the last few days, I come to add my meager dust upon this courageous cause.

    Smell the smoke of a burn out blessing? This lens is featured at http://www.squidoo.com/chaotic-good
  • KarenTBTEN Oct 7, 2010 @ 2:38 pm | delete
    Dropping back in to give this lens a SquidAngel blessing.
  • alteredkat Oct 5, 2010 @ 10:06 am | delete
    I'm back to bless this wonderful "wake up call" type lens.
    I've also featured ithere.
  • Mujjen Oct 4, 2010 @ 2:42 am | delete
    I think both Tom Stone and you have done a fantastic thing by showing the world these people. Sometimes we forget that they are humans like the rest of us, and that we can do something to help.
  • AlaskaHydro Sep 26, 2010 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    I was homeless as a teen. Covenant House helped me finish school, get a job, and get a place. They are a wonderful organization. Your lens brought tears to my eyes.
  • aesta1 Sep 23, 2010 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Wow, I have seen some of these pictures in passing and I am guilty of just passing by. I don't see. Thanks for featuring this reality here. One can look without fear and one looks beyond one's own puny, comfortable world. Thanks for being always so helpful here in squidoo.
  • Photahsiamirabel Sep 21, 2010 @ 4:40 pm | delete
    What can I say? Those faces tell it all - especially moved by Gabriel.... Blessed today.
  • hlkljgk Sep 15, 2010 @ 11:53 pm | delete
    amazing portraits. great way to spread the word.
  • sittonbull Sep 15, 2010 @ 10:28 pm | delete
    Been a while Mimi~ Thanks for the shout... I'm covered up with grandchildren and another on the way~ loving ever minute of it. This is a moving lens and makes me doubly thankful for my home and family! Congratulations on LOTD and reaching #1 which is a signal accomplishment.
  • ShamanicShift Sep 15, 2010 @ 9:51 pm | delete
    How provokingly awesome!
  • carrierbag-team Sep 14, 2010 @ 8:27 am | delete
    I remember I watched a documentary a few years back about these tribal me who came to the UK to gain an understanding of the culture. i remember they we're horrified at seeing homeless people in the streets of london and just couldn't comprehend the idea of society allowing people to be homeless. It was an interesting perspective from some one completely alien to our culture and way of life in modern western city areas.

    Great lens.
  • Spook Sep 12, 2010 @ 8:01 am | delete
    Whatever happened to America? So sad. Blessed by an Angel.
  • drifter0658 Sep 10, 2010 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    Just had to stop in for a reminder....thanks for this!
  • aidentrafford Sep 8, 2010 @ 11:39 pm | delete
    Really that's make me realize of me and myself.....Really awesum Squidoo
  • Maddie Jul 31, 2010 @ 4:09 pm | delete
    wow that was very deep
  • aj2008 Jun 21, 2010 @ 4:21 am | delete
    This has to be one of the most deserving #1 lenses on Squidoo - Happy Birthday Mimi :)
  • WeddingZazzle May 11, 2010 @ 4:27 am | delete
    SquidAngel Blessings :)
  • skiesgreen May 10, 2010 @ 6:57 pm | delete
    An amazingly powerful lens. Blessed and featured on Sprinkled with Stardust and Lenses That Shine. Congrats on LOTD, very worthty.
  • Apr 29, 2010 @ 11:31 am | delete
    Wow. Not that seeing the homeless is new, but the pictures and commentary are so powerful. How can anyone view this page and not feel that we are all responsible for the welfare of our brothers?
  • Waxing-Lyrical Apr 13, 2010 @ 11:46 pm | delete
    It's a pleasure to return here and leave this wonderful lens one of my first Squid Angel blessings :)
  • Norma_Budden Apr 3, 2010 @ 11:37 pm | delete
    This is one of the first Squidoo lenses I remember reading and parts of it has stood out to me ever since. It's a pleasure to grant this lens a Squid Angel blessing, indeed.
  • Waxing-Lyrical Mar 14, 2010 @ 11:23 pm | delete
    Thought provoking and heartbreaking. Homeless in America is simply a lens everyone should visit. It leaves an indelible imprint on one's consciousness.
  • Lucia Mar 12, 2010 @ 6:49 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your great work. I came across this web site searching for info regarding homelessness in America. I found much more than I needed. I do realize now how fortunate my I am and how silly is my behaviour sometimes. You did teach me a great lesson. I just wish to be able to do something to help somebody in these circumstances.
  • Peggy B. Adams e-mail: peggy__adams@nps.gov Feb 25, 2010 @ 9:05 am | delete
    I appreciated Tom Stone's photographs of the homeless so much that I copied a few of them, took them home and tacked them to my refrigerator to remind myself and visitor's how fortunate we are.
  • colecannon757 Jan 30, 2010 @ 2:53 pm | delete
    i was really moved by your pictures. puttin a face with words gets points across better
  • imaginemdd Jan 22, 2010 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Very good lens. This can remind us that many people are really quite close to losing everything and becoming homeless in the United States whether it appears that way or not. We may know someone who was or even is homeless and not be aware of it.
  • Robert Fennie NC Jan 21, 2010 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    at one time iwas homeless, as i looked at these pictures a tear came in my ey as i remembered what it was like to carry my life on my back, may God bless every one less fourtunet than me with a warm meal and bed.
  • TanyaWhaley Jan 20, 2010 @ 9:15 pm | delete
    What an amazing lens. So much information here. Really good work! Thank you for sharing this with us. Loved it, 5 stars and favorited too.
  • LeanneChesser Jan 19, 2010 @ 8:47 pm | delete
    Blessed by an angel!
  • lakern26 Jan 18, 2010 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    This is an excellent lens ... and a very sobering one. It's sometimes easy to forget that these people are just like everyone else, a father, mother, brother, sister, and how, with a few doses of bad luck, we could end up in exactly the same position. May God be with them.
  • KathyMcGraw Jan 17, 2010 @ 1:20 am | delete
    I had to come back and give this a *Blessing* :)
  • DAD1104 Jan 16, 2010 @ 6:25 pm | delete
    And so Haiti is awake tonight with suffering as are thousands within the United States. Why are we not crying? Because hope must answer this call.
  • Candy-Recipe Jan 14, 2010 @ 1:51 pm | delete
    Great lens...well done!
  • loganadrian Jan 13, 2010 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    Good lens. Keep up the good job
  • ShirlW Jan 11, 2010 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    Been here before, am back again. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
  • ashsmh Jan 11, 2010 @ 6:07 pm | delete
    No wonder your Lens was chosen #1. Great photos. No color photo can bring that originality as a B&W. Kudos.
  • starquest Jan 11, 2010 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    Tom,
    No wonder your site is #1. Thank you!
  • 805Therapy Jan 10, 2010 @ 11:38 am | delete
    Worthy of a lens roll by me! Great Job
  • rebecca_savoy Jan 10, 2010 @ 1:28 am | delete
    It's real, gritty, and beautiful. I've been waiting to see some life online and here it is. Thanks
  • Aeroboys Jan 9, 2010 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    Wow Homeless In America number one in Top 100 by LensRank... I like this Lens...
  • lightrix Jan 9, 2010 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    Great lens, 5stars for sure. Keep up the good work
  • eclecticeducation Jan 9, 2010 @ 5:55 pm | delete
    I've been here before and commented and rated (5 stars of course), now I'm back to bless it. Great lens.
  • johnsonyip Jan 9, 2010 @ 1:33 am | delete
    Great lens on raising awareness of the Homeless problem in America.
  • prosperity66 Jan 8, 2010 @ 8:53 pm | delete
    I couldn't go to bed without getting back to this wonderful lens! I loved it the first time I saw it, then the second time and so on. Now that I can give more love, I'm back!
    Blessed by a SquidAngel.
  • GrowWear Jan 8, 2010 @ 9:32 pm | delete
    Truly appreciated. Thank you, Dom.
  • Jan 6, 2010 @ 8:10 pm | delete
    Truly Awesome lens! Love it! 5 *'s and favorited! Happy New Year! Wish you all the best!
  • AlinaWarner Jan 5, 2010 @ 8:09 pm | delete
    Great lens 5***** and favorited too! Happy 2010!
  • steveb21 Jan 3, 2010 @ 9:57 am | delete
    I was at the Hungary in America and both of these site right to the heart
  • pnnzdb Jan 3, 2010 @ 5:12 am | delete
    i'm grateful that I have a roof over my head and a job
  • Biloute Jan 3, 2010 @ 5:05 am | delete
    Thank you for this!
    Everybody who's complaining should read this great lens.
    It passes a clear message.
    Great work.
  • nineth-writer Jan 2, 2010 @ 7:55 pm | delete
    This is a bad reality. in underdeveloped country like mine, It is difficult to buy home too. I thought the homeless is just underdeveloped country problem.
  • yemanya Jan 2, 2010 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Thank-you, a reminded not to judge but to be grateful.
  • MarkMooney Jan 2, 2010 @ 12:21 am | delete
    I can now see why this is ranked No1, great lens thanks for making me feel grateful for what I have.
  • julcal Jan 1, 2010 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    Powerful photography as well as stories. Fabulous lens! Thanks for the thought-provoking, lens. 5*, tweet and FAV. I won't forget this lens. I'm sure i'll be back for further visits. In fact, I'll take these images to bed with me tonight, maybe longer, as it should be for anyone who visits this lens.
  • LubosLabik Jan 1, 2010 @ 1:57 pm | delete
    I don't know wat to say I'm touched. The pictures are great. Nice work.
  • MomwithAHook Dec 31, 2009 @ 6:24 pm | delete
    I remember when flickr featured these photos. I was really taken with them. He really gets to the heart of the person - makes them real.
  • deblovell Dec 31, 2009 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    amazing work. it's so easy to walk down the streets of sf and look the other way. that's what i was taught to do. i will no longer do that. most of us today in warm houses with full stomachs are potentially just one paycheck away from living life this way. god bless the homeless.
  • Kate-Phizackerley Dec 30, 2009 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    It remains an outstanding lens. Blessed by a Squidoo Angel.
  • paulachen Dec 29, 2009 @ 5:30 pm | delete
    It's a very touching topic. It breaks my heart to see people suffer like this; sometimes it is not by choice. We were just talking about this a couple of days ago and in China, there are actually little kids begging for money outside. Very sad! :(
  • aj2008 Dec 28, 2009 @ 6:29 am | delete
    MiMi - I am so pleased to see this as the #1 lens again on Squidoo. For me this has to be the best Squidoo lens of 2009.
  • StuCuts Dec 27, 2009 @ 7:24 pm | delete
    Incredible,this just tore my heart out.How can this be happening in America?
    I work with Kids who have had very Hard lives and this just says it all.
    Great Work!Just Great!
  • Dec 27, 2009 @ 1:29 am | delete
    Meh. Didn't Tom Stone ever think to photograph the homeless teens? The ones who want to help but can't do anything for their homeless parents or themselves for those who don't have parents? What is wrong with this world? All anyone thinks about is the homeless adults because they can get a job but aren't. What about those that can't get a job because they are too young or are disabled? This is what I hate about those people who never had to be homeless, who always had a home and the security of a job. And they always look to those homeless who are adults and can take care of themselves. Or look to the homeless toddlers and infants who can't take care of themselves but their parents are trying hard to do so. No one ever thinks about the homeless teens who know the situation but are ignored and no say in anything at all. Many people think of all homeless teens as delinquents but that is not the case. Why can't people think of the homeless teenagers. They are totally ignored and branded as delinquents and are silenced when seen. I only hope this world would change.
  • GrowWear Dec 27, 2009 @ 10:15 am | delete
    Tom's scope of work for the homeless is not fully encompassed in this photo essay. You might check out his site...
  • loopline Dec 26, 2009 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Wow. Such a choice for Gabriel. I can't help but think he made some poor decisions, and had he sought after a job rather then traveling the coast he would have had better opportunity.

    I feel that when it comes to homeless people in America some are less fortunate and try and try and spin their wheels. While others are simply "following their dreams" or "having a spell of bad luck" which translates to lazy and irresponsible. I have known many homeless through my churches out reach. They all need love and Christ, but some want to do good for themselves, while others are plain lazy.

    Much of the issue could be solved for themselves if many would try. Its tough to distinguish sometimes, you have to take time to get to know them and offer them help. Teaching them "how to fish rather then just giving them a fish" can be a challenge for sure. Some will take up fishing, while other will continue to look for handouts and do whatever they want.

    Either way, thanks for the great lens. It brings many things to light and definitely deserved the award!
  • GrowWear Dec 26, 2009 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    Thank you for your response, Lenmaster loopline.

    Something we all need to keep in mind is that teaching someone to fish does not teach them the life skills they missed, nor does it cure mental illness, alcoholism, and the like.
  • Mickie_G Dec 26, 2009 @ 10:30 am | delete
    Congrats on your 2009 Squid Award. I loved this lens when you first published it. The images here still tug at my heartstrings.
  • Josh Dec 24, 2009 @ 7:43 pm | delete
    Great lens, I enjoyed it a lot. It's awesome that there are still people out there that care about the world. I grew up in the suburbs, so I had this perspective growing up that homeless people were this "special" classification of people, alien almost. It wasn't until I started talking with people who were homeless that I learned there is nothing "special" about them. Some are the most amazing soul's you'll ever meet, others are complete pricks... just like the rest of the world.

    The only commonality they almost all seem to share is they are lost souls, people who let this world get the best of them, be it for the time being or once and for all. I thank God every day that I've yet to fall that far, and pray I'm always that fortunate in life.
  • ShortSaleRealtor Dec 23, 2009 @ 4:53 pm | delete
    Hi 5 for you great lens
  • CCGAL Dec 23, 2009 @ 7:29 am | delete
    I am so glad this lens won. Congratulations on your award - may this lens continue to open eyes and help change the world one heart at a time. Good job!
  • jj42 Dec 23, 2009 @ 6:23 am | delete
    I found your lens very touching. I could not stop looking at Gabriel's eyes. They are (were) so beautiful but so sad at the same time.
  • Laniann Dec 23, 2009 @ 2:58 am | delete
    Congratulations, MiMi, on being selected as one of the 2009 Giant Squid Award Winners for your lens Homeless In America.
  • morganna Dec 22, 2009 @ 9:00 pm | delete
    You're right. I won't be the same, nor will I look at things quite the same. Thank you for this lens. It was heart breaking and eye opening all at the same time. Such sadness as we prepare for this Holiday. I'm so sorry for these people I wish I could gather them all together and help them...one by one.
  • GrowWear Dec 22, 2009 @ 2:10 pm | delete
    Thank you for the very kind words, and thank you for voting!
  • The_Health_Lady Dec 22, 2009 @ 10:19 am | delete
    Congratulations on your Giant Squid Award! Such a timely lens for 2009.
  • BevsPaper Dec 22, 2009 @ 6:57 am | delete
    I agree with Kim this lens should be voted the all time best of the year 2009. Congratulations on receiving the Best Charity Lens of the Giant Squids 2009! Well deserved.
  • inkserotica Dec 22, 2009 @ 3:59 am | delete
    Congratulations on your win!! Very well deserved :)
  • Joan4 Dec 21, 2009 @ 10:19 pm | delete
    Yippee!!! Congratulations on winning Giant Squid 2009 award!! Celebrating with you!
  • Pukeko Dec 21, 2009 @ 9:13 pm | delete
    Just as powerful at the second read. Congratulations on a well deserved winning lens.
  • GrowWear Dec 21, 2009 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Thank you all so much!
  • kimmanleyort Dec 21, 2009 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Best lens of the year, imho! Congratulations, Mimi.
  • bdkz Dec 21, 2009 @ 5:24 pm | delete
    Congratulations on winning the 2009 Giant Squid Awards! http://www.squidoo.com/2009-giant-squid-award-winners#module75239661
  • Shelly Dec 20, 2009 @ 8:49 pm | delete
    I am so pleased to have the honor to vote for this marvelous labor of love! Susie just let me know that I can vote as a nonmember--fortunately at this late date, I have already fallen in love with several nonminees--I didn't realize there were so many categories! All the best to you.
  • elmikeo Dec 17, 2009 @ 12:42 am | delete
    Wouldn't the world be such a better place if universal health care was available no matter where you sleep? These stories break my heart.
    Mike- insurance blogger
  • UnsolvedNE Dec 16, 2009 @ 1:10 pm | delete
    A very informative and captivating lens. Thank you!
  • DanCarson Dec 8, 2009 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    The pictures are amazing.
  • Babitah Dec 8, 2009 @ 6:49 am | delete
    This is a great lens! 5 ***** I love it!
  • absegami Dec 6, 2009 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Absolutely Beautiful.
  • Ladydove62 Dec 6, 2009 @ 9:17 am | delete
    Congratulations on your nomination Sweet Mimi!
  • clouda9 Dec 5, 2009 @ 2:44 am | delete
    Back to give my Congrats on your 2009 Giant Squid Awards nomination! Well deserved for sure.
  • TopStyleTravel Dec 4, 2009 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    Congrats on the Top 100! This is an issue staring us all in the face that cannot be ignored. Your lens sheds light on these people as human.
  • Laniann Nov 29, 2009 @ 6:26 am | delete
    I just came back to give you - Congratulations on being nominated for the 2009 Giant Squid Awards.
  • GrowWear Nov 29, 2009 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Thank you, Laniann. Such an honor to be nominated!
  • prosperity66 Nov 28, 2009 @ 6:46 am | delete
    I think I've already told you that your lens is one of the best on Squidoo but couldn't resist to tell you once more!
    Congratulations on your 2009 Giant Squid Awards nomination; which is well deserved!
    Dom.
  • GrowWear Nov 29, 2009 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Thank you so much, Dom. I appreciate that!
  • freedomdebtsolutions Nov 26, 2009 @ 10:51 pm | delete
    Amazing!
  • Sokolenko Dec 3, 2009 @ 9:54 pm | delete
    wow thats, so amazing
  • Nov 25, 2009 @ 10:05 pm | delete
    Wow I didn't know there are many people are currently homeless is America.
    I hope they will be all helped.
  • foreverme Nov 22, 2009 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    This is what it's all about - helping people.
  • foreverme Nov 22, 2009 @ 6:22 pm | delete
    There are no words to tell you how this lens affects me. There are too many to help. Where will it all end? I'm filled to the brim with sadness.
  • almawad Nov 22, 2009 @ 6:10 am | delete
    Everybody should have a right for accommodation . It is just question of organizing it for those in need . I am very sad .
  • ocrhha Nov 21, 2009 @ 6:10 pm | delete
    One word says it all: WOW!
  • HappyBusyBee Nov 20, 2009 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    Tom, I can see why your lens is a high ranking one. You've captured more than interest - excellent.
  • GrowWear Nov 20, 2009 @ 8:21 pm | delete
    Thank you very much. Showcasing Tom's work is a privilege and an honor.
  • alexkazam Nov 20, 2009 @ 12:18 pm | delete
    A very moving lens- your photographs show these homeless people as people- which is something many of us try to ignor as we walk past them- in case, we become them, too.
  • GrowWear Nov 20, 2009 @ 12:28 pm | delete
    Thank you, Alex. Tom Stone's photography is truly exceptional.
  • Jewelsofawe Nov 17, 2009 @ 7:26 pm | delete
    This lens is poignant. I hope people's hearts are open to it. Blessed by an angel!
  • OhMySally Nov 17, 2009 @ 10:19 am | delete
    I live in a major city and it is hard to see so many people homeless. I have bought various people coffee when it's cold or food but it just makes me sad.
  • Katrina_Ariel Nov 14, 2009 @ 11:04 pm | delete
    Simple acknowledgement and caring are so powerful. You've gone much further. Thank you.
  • ljpsalmist Nov 13, 2009 @ 2:19 pm | delete
    This really pricked my heart! Job well done.
  • zhenyar Nov 13, 2009 @ 12:41 pm | delete
    Yes, the homeless among us .. This is a shocking fact that the majority simply does not notice everyone hurrying to work. Photos very dramatic. I think your lens will attract more people to this issue.
  • vanidiana Nov 12, 2009 @ 10:15 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing the story.
  • BookNow Nov 11, 2009 @ 7:45 am | delete
    Nice lens. I really love the photos.
  • The-Home-Manager Nov 10, 2009 @ 4:29 am | delete
    So touching, well done.
  • boutiqueshops Nov 9, 2009 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    Amazing lens ~ beautiful job, Mimi. Moving, intense & timely. 5*'s
  • Coluden Nov 9, 2009 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    First thing I did after going thro' your site, was to send the link to my family. I want them to see this for themselves. Funny how video games, and iPods seem less important when you really soak this in. Thanks for sharing.
    Anthony
  • Nov 9, 2009 @ 6:11 am | delete
    I remember being near that edge - how shocking it was that the possibility of homelessness is so close when you just can't manage life for a while.

    There is a belgian photographer who took portraits of homeless people as well: Stef Renodeyn.
  • Gloria Nov 8, 2009 @ 7:49 pm | delete
    This is amazing work, brought tears. Showing people the truth of this issue is so important, and these pictures are so amazing.
  • HERBMASTER Nov 8, 2009 @ 7:42 pm | delete
    Most of us don't realize how close we are to this. For most, 6 months would get us there, a lot, only 3 months. Very moving lens! Makes you want to do something!
  • LuvingMyDogs Nov 6, 2009 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    Fantastic lens and beautiful pictures. I had my kids look at them too and read about each person. Never too young to learn empathy.
  • MarcusGoedden Nov 5, 2009 @ 10:54 am | delete
    Great pictures, and a very good lens from a greet guy. Marcus from sunny Mallorca
  • Whitelotus42 Nov 4, 2009 @ 5:44 pm | delete
    awesome pics and article
  • stugod1 Nov 4, 2009 @ 11:43 am | delete
    been there when i was younger and by my own choice really, just would not conform dad was a big drinker and a hard worker to boot. but i was in a working environment from twelve years old, holidays and weekends were always spent like this, trouble on the horizon at sixteen years old i was going on thirty, first stop was prison but have not been back since. some good some bad memories from stugod
  • nekiwa07 Nov 4, 2009 @ 9:02 am | delete
    This is a great lens! I was once homeless, my husband and our children,in which were went to a local shelter, so I totally understand the depth of homelessness. God bless you!
  • jbdkz Nov 2, 2009 @ 4:34 pm | delete
    Excellent lens.
  • triathlontraining Nov 2, 2009 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens! It really tugs at the heart to see and read it. Very well done.
  • CalicoCat Nov 2, 2009 @ 12:09 am | delete
    Yes, do look into their eyes. And realize that they are homeless, not soul-less. What makes you or me better than them just because we have a home? When my parents emigrated from Romania to Germany, we lived in a government subsidized hotel room for 9 months, because we were poor. And then we lived in a one bedroom apartment for 10 years because we were poor. And always we were not that far away from being homeless, if I were to think about it long and hard. Somehow life has sheltered many of us from homelessness. But here are those who were not so fortunate.
  • tintin79 Nov 1, 2009 @ 6:29 pm | delete
    I am amazed the government does so little, yet does so much in military. More should go into helping there own people back on there feet. Homeless are just like you and i, just had a run of bad luck..
  • angelhrt1 Nov 1, 2009 @ 1:05 am | delete
    I feel so sad for these children of God.What happened? I do know some causes for ones life to turn out this way! I have had to sleep under overpasses when I was in my middle 20's.No shoes to wear, cause the amount of walking I had done, my shoes wore out.With my Babyson in my arms," I have went hungry, so he would not ". But not long after, there was 3 months living in a tent. I was able to pull it together; Bathing in the ladies room, then dressing for work, I was able to change the situation and haven't been homeless since,Thank God. I am doing without a vital part that can and might lenghthen my terminally ill body. I am so blessed compared to these souls and my heart cries out for each of you. Even if I die because I do not have my need," then so be it," I would prefer the monies go to these "Children of God and others like them" That I am sure feel more Disposable than I. O.K. My prayers will include ya'll in them .Love to all angelhrt1
  • cheapturnkeysites Oct 31, 2009 @ 9:25 am | delete
    This is the saddest thing I've seen in a long time. The pictures are almost meaningless without the captions. Thank you for posting this.

    -Jen
  • alli82 Oct 31, 2009 @ 7:08 am | delete
    It's so easy for people to dismiss homelessness as something that doesn't just happen to anyone; that people who are going through hard times get what they deserve. These are people no different than any of us and truthfully, most people are only a few missed payments from homelessness themselves. Thanks for putting a human face on this, I'm sure many hearts will be touched.
  • stellarmom Oct 31, 2009 @ 3:31 am | delete
    The portraits are incredible and together with the text, the people are no longer 2 dimensional as we often view them. Looking into their eyes and reading the poignant descriptions served as an eerie reality check. It was very moving.
  • Kylyssa Oct 30, 2009 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    Thank you for this beautiful lens. These photographs brilliantly capture the humanity of these people without homes. People need to see them. People need to see that they are us. You or I or our fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers or children could be homeless. It's our family out there.
  • GrowWear Oct 30, 2009 @ 12:05 pm | in reply to Specknology | delete
    This page is already taking donations. Thank you for your concern. Most appreciated. :)
  • Specknology Oct 30, 2009 @ 10:38 am | delete
    This is sad! They have been niglected by their own families because they are different and now they have no home. Is there a charity for the homeless in America because I am a Indian who lives in Britain. If there is a charity, we should make a paypal account to get donations for these people and I could make the website.
  • FromMyKitchenTable Oct 30, 2009 @ 12:04 am | delete
    It's so sad to see such poverty when there is such abundance on this earth. The tragedy of this is that so few people really care. I saw so many homeless when I was driving my eighteen wheeler around the US and Canada. Under bridges, sleeping on heat grates in the cities, huddled around fire barrels. But some wouldn't change their lifestyle for a million dollars. Hard to figure.

    Carol
  • WendyKrick Oct 29, 2009 @ 8:08 pm | delete
    Wow this was heavy! This should never ever happen. It makes me angry when the US is always rescuing the world when we have so many citizens who need help. I wish I could help.
  • chucks0 Oct 29, 2009 @ 9:54 am | delete
    that is just heart breaking. but i no how easy it is to lose everything me and my wife two years ago i got hert and i could not work to make along story short i just lost my home
    and now i am renting and dont no how we are going to come up with this months rent we are both looking for work.if you really think about it most people are only a few paychecks from being on the street and thats the truth.
  • Stained-Glass-Canvas Oct 29, 2009 @ 5:44 am | delete
    I spent some time with a homeless person a week or so ago, she had such a sweet spirit, and no remorse. She just needed kindness, some food, and a place to crash. Our church provided that for the weekend. Ever since then I have been haunted by the awareness that unseen in our community are many who are similar to her. I'm thinking of trying to orrganize local churches to do something to help. Thank you for these photographs. The people in them touch and inspire and re-ignite that desire in me to be of some real, lasting help. Bless you.
  • bernd49 Oct 29, 2009 @ 3:44 am | delete
    Thanks!! and greetings from Vienna
  • cconiam Oct 28, 2009 @ 10:05 pm | delete
    Very moving...when I see someone holding a sign on a street corner asking for money/help, I always wonder HOW they ended up there. I sometimes give them a couple dollars or whatever change I have, but wonder how much that really helps? Very sad. I'm very grateful for the life I have.
  • DianeRayfield Oct 28, 2009 @ 6:44 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful yet chilling lens. Thank you for bringing this up front and center. It definitely belongs as the number one lens.
    Well done!
  • Prosperity09 Oct 28, 2009 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    Thanks for reminding us that no matter how bad things maybe in our present circumstance there are those of us who endure more pain. And yes we are our brothers and sisters keepers, we're one big family.
  • Opulentus Oct 27, 2009 @ 10:49 pm | delete
    I just finished wiping the tears from my eyes. To think life ends up this way boggles the mind even though it effects my life personally. My mother chooses to live on the streets of Phoenix. She has a skin disease called psoriasis and has effected the quality of her life which lead to her becoming an alcoholic. She lived her in WA state with me and our family but because the relief the sun and warmth provides she chose to move to AZ. But since moving there her life has been a constant backslide. She could not find work began drinking excessively and when the government didn't pay for all she ended up on the street. While on the street she has been robbed numerous times, beaten a handful of times and has been raped on several occasions. Luckily for me she does have a cell phone, which she loses or is stolen regularly but seems to manage to replace, on which she can call me. I love her so much and my heart goes out to those who suffer. Thank you, Tom Stone for your work and compassion.
  • Tipi Oct 27, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | in reply to Eletric_Wizard | delete
    Wizard, I have to agree with you whole heartedly! ~ I have done some studies on the veterans of war, and unfortunately they do make up the majority of homeless in America. I have never walked a mile in their shoes, so I can-not judge. I do know that post traumatic stress disorder plays a big roll in their lives, anxiety and depression because of something they have lost. There is no reality, only perspectives.

    I continue to return to this page and look into these eyes, it touches my heart very deeply.
  • myfhtm Oct 27, 2009 @ 1:40 am | delete
    Very good! Its so sad we have so many homeless people. i would love to change that! God Bless
  • Jewelsofawe Oct 26, 2009 @ 9:53 pm | delete
    By the way my dad was alcoholic, graduated from USC, had a masters in accounting and had a long term job when he went homeless. To this day I wonder why. I should write about him. He was also in the Vietnam War, served our country. I have pictures from Vietnam as I was the next of kin when he died of a heart attack in 2001
  • Jewelsofawe Oct 26, 2009 @ 9:45 pm | delete
    Wow! What strength in these people. My dad was homeless for 6 months. These people and all the homeless affect me deeply. I wish I could help and I wish every one would open the hearts, and if we can help, help.
  • Eletric_Wizard Oct 26, 2009 @ 9:23 pm | delete
    This is the best lens I have seen. Good work.
  • hellopankajin Oct 25, 2009 @ 4:20 am | delete
    Very Good Work Thanks
  • ndasika Oct 24, 2009 @ 5:31 pm | delete
    This is very sad, I remeber Phil Collins song, "Its another day in paradise" and surely looking at all those picture and the eyes and the eyes, Phil Collins was right in singing "think twice, its another day for you and me in paradise".
  • Ecolicious Oct 24, 2009 @ 4:50 pm | delete
    This really touched me. Thank you.
  • ManagersMagazine Oct 24, 2009 @ 3:42 pm | delete
    Very good site and moving pictures.
  • Oct 24, 2009 @ 9:52 am | delete
    This is so sad, but it is also inspiring to make you want to get out there and make a difference. It reminds me of the sond Yes we can on youtube. I know I want to make a difference and this page only enforces that want.
  • twintech7 Oct 24, 2009 @ 2:50 am | delete
    very nice work. i am impressed because of the information give on the site. i will check it later.
  • RegVip Oct 23, 2009 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    This is the part of America people don't see unfortunately alot of homeless people are veterans and it amazes me how our country can spend millions of dollars to send aid to other countries when right in our own backyard there are homeless families and veterans out there.
  • alexchia01 Oct 23, 2009 @ 12:10 am | delete
    I feel for these people. But I also believes that our future is determine by our actions. Why do some stay poor, hungry and homeless, while others are rich, well fed and "homefull". Behind every success, there are many disappointments, tears and determination. The ones that can get out of poverty are the ones who see a future for themselves and never give up trying. I feel sad for them, but they are responsible for themselves...
  • donotworry Oct 22, 2009 @ 9:28 pm | delete
    I feel so cold when look into their eyes.
  • derricktrance Oct 22, 2009 @ 6:55 pm | delete
    I feel for the 54 year old woman who was an accountant and became homeless after losing her job due to age retrenchment.This is cruel.It makes me mad.This lens is a reminder for people to work harder.Dont rely on your regular job.You cant work for your boss forever.Sooner or later you will be fired or dismissed.Try to have multiple sources of income which will cushion you when you lose your job.This world is cursed.Humanity is futile.Where is this world going and how will it end? What is the purpose of life? Why all the suffering?
  • rodrigues Oct 22, 2009 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    wow that was truly touching to the soul!
  • Oct 22, 2009 @ 10:05 am | delete
    God Bless You for the work that you do for the people here who need you. You are truly an angel. You will always stay in my prayers.
  • RenoValentine Oct 21, 2009 @ 6:27 am | delete
    Sad... really sad.
  • JPMandura Oct 21, 2009 @ 12:08 am | delete
    I have been homeless for most of my life, even now that I have a wife, and a baby on the way.., thank you for doing this. God bless you.
  • azpoppy Oct 20, 2009 @ 9:00 pm | delete
    Wow. Those photographs are sad, but amazing. Mr. Stone truly has a gift with his ability to not only take a picture of one's face, but also give the viewer a glimpse into a person's soul. And, he's right. We *are* all responsible.
  • SalsaDancing Oct 20, 2009 @ 8:15 pm | delete
    It is really sad that there are so many homeless people in America. . .
  • Jennifer Oct 20, 2009 @ 1:59 pm | delete
    very moving
  • DrMarty Oct 19, 2009 @ 11:09 am | in reply to Haukur | delete
    I too really enjoyed the photos. I see people like them all over Tampa Bay everyday
  • chinnu-1 Oct 19, 2009 @ 5:21 am | delete
    I am an Indian. I have never thought about such a situation in US, (a rich country in world) till i read this lens.
  • mukunda22 Oct 19, 2009 @ 1:10 am | delete
    What a blessing to be able to bless this lens!!

    ####Blessed####
  • Haukur Oct 18, 2009 @ 7:23 pm | delete
    I really enjoyed the photos. Thank you.
  • milumilan Oct 18, 2009 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    nice topic and coverage
  • Oct 18, 2009 @ 12:24 pm | delete
    This viewer now considers the folks in the photos family- I know them by name and we share the same heart. I've seen the same look in these eyes, and these eyes have looked upon the world with the same apprehension. In that look, I see that we're all the same and how pitiless compassion for fellow man lifts us all- by allowing ourselves to feel our hearts vs sympathy we realize a great freedom to simply care for those who need caring. Out of this love, efforts are being made to supply housing to all people regardless of barriers. It will take time, but portrayals like this sure help. I keep coming back here to see how my family is doing. One Love.
  • Swededesigns Oct 18, 2009 @ 6:26 am | delete
    Incredibly intense. It saddens my heart to see so many people just left to fend for themselves in this great country of ours. And the thing that really bothers me is that so many of them are Veterans. They've protected us, came back home and were swept under the rug like dust.
    Thank you for creating this lens. More people should care about the homeless as much as you obviously do. God Bless you. :)
  • Big-Ric Oct 18, 2009 @ 3:00 am | delete
    I don't have much in material things, but boy am I grateful for what little I have to do to get though from day to day. We are all resposible for sure, thank you for sharing this lens.
  • squidirector Oct 18, 2009 @ 12:24 am | delete
    Stunning lens. Beautifully portrayed.
  • hypnosis4life Oct 17, 2009 @ 1:49 pm | delete
    I once lived and worked in London and when I first started I couldn't believe the number of homeless people and noticed them daily. But as I grew "hardened" I didn't notice them so much and subconsciously crossed the street. I think the majority of us don't know how to act when we are confronted with a homeless person - so we ignore them or pretend they are not there. But in the safety of my home looking at this moving lens it makes me feel I wish I could make a difference.
  • dogfooddangers Oct 17, 2009 @ 2:35 am | delete
    So many of the people in this lens are alone in regards to family. How blessed to have family around when times are hard!

    Great and insightful Lens!!!!
  • Michey Oct 16, 2009 @ 6:51 pm | delete
    Hi! Just returning to gie you a squid Angel Blessing.
    You have a great message in this lens and it is very well done.
    Michey
  • mokiwigirl Oct 16, 2009 @ 11:34 am | delete
    Awesome work, great pictures and thoughts
  • wandak Oct 16, 2009 @ 9:46 am | delete
    I appreciate what the topic of this lens, I can only hope that the homeless featured here, Benefit directly from this, otherwise they are being exploted. And YES I have been in thier shoes.
  • jdluntjr Oct 16, 2009 @ 7:00 am | delete
    powerful and haunting. I think about the time I spent working with people who are homeless in Dallas. How many are still there? How many like Gabriel aren't.
  • Heather426 Oct 15, 2009 @ 11:36 pm | delete
    I had to come bless this lens! Such a good job of highlighting an appalling travesty.
  • pkmcr Oct 15, 2009 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    There is just so little one can add to the comments that have been made about this truly moving lens. SquidAngel blessings MiMi and may God bless you and all who work to make a difference in the world
  • GrowWear Oct 15, 2009 @ 10:53 am | in reply to Insight | delete
    Dear Insight: As Anais Nin said, "We don't see things as they are; we see things as we are." This is true of all of us.
  • yugogirl Oct 14, 2009 @ 9:16 pm | delete
    Very touching! May God bless them all!
  • Insight Oct 14, 2009 @ 11:47 am | delete
    How many of us have read about the people rather than look at the pictures? I come from South Africa and have seen far worse than this, not only in Africa but in Thailand and other countries where thousands of people are in this state from not having an option. This may sound harsh but most of these people have had options and have decided to opt out of society. I feel for people who end up like this but I do not feel sorry for them. Going from an educated teacher to a street dweller or from being a soldier to a homeless person there is no reason to end up like this unless there was no other choice. From the background on the people that has been stated above, I can only say that is allot to do with their own doing. I also no of a very wealthy man in the UK who chooses to live this way because he makes more money from begging/panhandling and of course it is tax free. Great photo's but not much sympathy.
  • 24websurf Oct 13, 2009 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    My very first Angel Blessing goes to this lens. Thank you for opening our eyes, MiMi.
  • KFreeman Oct 13, 2009 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Very touching. I wanted to capture photo's in a similar fashion when I was driving a tractor trailer coast to coast. This lens makes a very bold statement one that I hope will activate peoples willingness to give.... Thank you.
  • Oct 13, 2009 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Awesome lens, hope it stays at the top for a long time. G.
  • changi042 Oct 13, 2009 @ 8:38 am | delete
    Very good lens. i vote 5 star for you.
  • LaraineRose Oct 13, 2009 @ 4:36 am | delete
    An excellent lens MiMi. 5*s and lensrolled to my The Great Irish Famine Many of the Irish became homeless when they immigrated to America.
  • MissBliss829 Oct 13, 2009 @ 1:04 am | delete
    excellent. This is a project that I have considered doing many times. i was afraid of invading.My heart breaks every day for these beautiful ones. It should not be like this for them.
    Thank you.
  • StephenC Oct 12, 2009 @ 8:48 pm | delete
    Good lens, good cause, good work!
  • martinact420 Oct 12, 2009 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    Excellent lens! Everyone should donate something cause we can all afford it!
  • SquidChris Oct 12, 2009 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    Homeless in America is a very touching lens, it really opens your eyes about how normal everyday people can end up on the streets, and you never know if it'll be you next.
  • Madmarks25 Oct 12, 2009 @ 2:55 am | delete
    A very moving lens...Congrats on being number #1. Your message will reach more people, who don't see this problem on their very own door steps.
  • BookMama Oct 11, 2009 @ 5:58 pm | delete
    I occasionally look at the top 100 list to see what's on top. I was stunned to find a topic, like Homelessness that people generally avoid (averting our eyes) ranked #1. The lens is impressive. I'm going to go watch the video now. I did make a small donation and hope others will as well.
  • Oct 11, 2009 @ 12:44 pm | delete
    I think you've always been an angel. Congrats on getting your wings here on squidoo, and thanks for stopping by to bless my lens too -:)
  • spirituality Oct 11, 2009 @ 12:38 pm | delete
    wow no. 1 :) just stopping by to congratulate you one becoming a squidangel, that's new isn't it?
  • Vladimir1993 Oct 11, 2009 @ 8:42 am | delete
    I am very impressed by the extent of work you've done, collected a considerable amount of information. This problem should be given more attention. Thanks
  • angelsmummy Oct 11, 2009 @ 7:57 am | delete
    This lens made me cry. When I think of all the people that need help around the world I cry! Its great of you to make a lens like this!
  • OhMe Oct 11, 2009 @ 6:07 am | delete
    Congratulations on being #1 and it is certainly well deserved. I feel blessed to be able to re-visit this great lens and officially Bless it!
  • Juice-Love Oct 10, 2009 @ 3:45 pm | delete
    Just listened to a speaker who did a documentary on the same subject. Many were homeless children, not what I like to think of when I think of homelessness.
  • MPaxson Oct 10, 2009 @ 8:55 am | delete
    This photo essay was so difficult to see, but so necessary. My faith is so important to me, and I wanted to reach out to each of these people, one by one, and take them into my world or my home or my life in some way. Jesus would have been spending His time with people like this...the outcasts, the ignored, the unobserved, the ones who quietly drift past us. Sometimes we are scared of them. Sometimes I wonder if my fear doesn't stem from the fact that were the situation different, I could BE them. What made the difference in my life? My background? I don't come from a wealthy family. Where I live? I imagine that some of them come from small towns as well. My education? Several of these faces belonged to people with more training and knowledge than I will ever have. My experience? I am really quite sheltered in this world. I have no answers for how these people each came to be in such a place that they could be photographed by you. I pray that tonight they have a warm bed and hot meal.
  • MarisaAngelis Oct 10, 2009 @ 6:02 am | delete
    Excellent! 5Stars
  • veerkumar Oct 10, 2009 @ 5:25 am | delete
    It is very different lence....a unique one...very much helpful...
  • ANDRI Oct 9, 2009 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    very unique lens five stars for you
  • USGolfers Oct 9, 2009 @ 2:16 pm | delete
    Tom, thank you, you have captured the dignity of each through your photos. Kat, Sadie, Zebe, Rebecca, John, William, Roberto, Ray and Gabriel we are honored.
  • AzR Oct 9, 2009 @ 7:32 am | delete
    A great lens. Makes you realize we are all human beings no matter what creed or color of skin and that homelessness can happen to any of us.
  • bodywonderful Oct 9, 2009 @ 12:32 am | delete
    Wow. Such a kind heart. You raise the level of awareness in everyone... While people stay at their cozy home, some of our countrymen needs a little of our help....
  • andreaberrios Oct 8, 2009 @ 8:39 pm | delete
    I just love your lens! Beautiful.
  • Shelly Oct 8, 2009 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    This is such an important lens that I was elated to see it back in the #1 position today! Congratulations on your well earned angel wings.
  • JustBon-Crochet-Designs Oct 7, 2009 @ 10:16 pm | delete
    I just had to return to your wonderful, meaningful lens and give it my Blessing :)
  • allhallowseve Oct 7, 2009 @ 2:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for caring when so many won't.
  • BevsPaper Oct 6, 2009 @ 12:03 pm | delete
    These photos and the stories behind them have so moved the very core of my soul and I will never be the same again. I have come back to this lens today because the first time I read it, I wished that I were a Squid Angel because it so deserves a blessing from all the Angels...Squidoo and otherwise. So, as my first official act as a new Angel, I bless this wonderful lens.
  • KrisCalloway Oct 5, 2009 @ 10:29 pm | delete
    These are extremely poignant. Thank you.
  • CanItReallyWork Oct 5, 2009 @ 12:03 am | delete
    This lens really moved me.
  • wnycoqui Oct 4, 2009 @ 9:32 am | delete
    Who would think that there was so much individuals in poverty in this day in age? This site is very touching and unique. Keep up the good work and show the world that there are real people in need!
  • yoga2009 Oct 3, 2009 @ 10:53 pm | delete
    .We have managed so much with technology, yet we cannot seem to give everyone a decent place to live.

    tips homes in america
  • Laniann Oct 3, 2009 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    Heartbreaking.... Anyone of us could be there.
  • amethystgriffith Oct 3, 2009 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    These pictures and stories left me speechless. Thank you for sharing, this is an eye-opening experience.
  • Tru2daWord Oct 2, 2009 @ 9:23 am | delete
    Blessings!
  • TShirtFrank Oct 1, 2009 @ 10:16 pm | delete
    Wow, that is encapsulating - thank you
  • howel Oct 1, 2009 @ 9:49 pm | delete
    I had to write something here. The expressions in these faces are speaking volumes and covering a whole range of human misery and ecstasy. I recently went to San Francisco for the first and only time - and these photos bring back those very strong impressions I had.

    Each portrait tell a story - a real and complete story that we can only glimpse at and guess. However this is what being alive means - to "see" in Don Juan's sense of the word.
  • TheAmazingZeep Oct 1, 2009 @ 8:58 pm | delete
    Great site Man - keep up the good work !
  • skip1957 Oct 1, 2009 @ 4:28 pm | delete
    I've written this over 10 times, I really tried to express my true feelings, but I still haven't found the words to express my true feelings.I pass the homeless everyday.I saw the pictures within your lens,and the way they depict these unfortunate souls .I've read your words, Still, I only feel a helplessness in the plight of the homeless.I have given several times to help, but I know deep in my heart it was an exercise in futility.You have written a very compelling lens,but I feel that your audience should be the government officials that WE elect.They have the power to solve this,we can give and give, but that will not solve the problem.Until there is some organization thats' job is strictly focused on the plight of the homeless,we will see these people sitting on the street corners, around the malls,in alleys,and doorways, everywhere else large groups of people congregate.We have managed so much with technology, yet we cannot seem to give everyone a decent place to live.
  • sqchick Sep 29, 2009 @ 9:28 pm | delete
    Wowwwwwww!This put chills down my spine. Ya know when you hear of poverty, you think of other countries where there is no food, the water is dirty, etc. But America! I sometimes wonder how is it that we (the USA) feed, house and protect other countries when help in the same areas are needed just as much or more here. I WISH that I was financially equipped to build a huge home for as many homeless as I could find and give them all jobs and help them one by one to retain life as it should be. May God touch and bless each and every homeless and hungry person.
  • invictus Sep 29, 2009 @ 10:11 am | delete
    and after taking these pictures and having their stories, what?
  • SnowAngel77 Sep 29, 2009 @ 7:31 am | delete
    Great lens. Very sad to see all these people and know that alot of the time people walk past without a second glance. Very touching and from now on it'll make me wonder what the story is behind other peoples lives. Thanks for that.
  • VictoriaNTC Sep 28, 2009 @ 2:06 pm | delete
    Oh, I want to help them all!
    I Twittered and will Lensrolled too!
    Thank you for caring and sharing!
    Victoria
    Wealthy Affiliate Member
  • Sep 28, 2009 @ 1:49 pm | delete
    Hi Mimi, under "sixteen dollars" there is a small spelling error (yougest vs youngest). I was showing my hubby the lens, probably the fifth time I've looked at it and the error popped out. It's a stunning lens portrayed with love. I offered "John from canada" a cake once, on my way through a back alley coming home from the supermarket. He graciously declined, saying my young daughter would probably enjoy it more- best to take it home. I feel the same when I look at this lens, a witness to God's grace, as it shines forth. Love and all the best, Darcie
  • Tipi Sep 28, 2009 @ 11:39 am | in reply to happypat | delete
    Happy, that's a sad story with a happy ending. I'm so glad that you found help and God. We all owe a debt that we can't repay, so we live our lives the best we can and help those that we can relate to in their pain. Bless your big beautiful heart. The sweetest people I know have been to hell and back and didn't get bitter, but got better. May God bless you all the days of your life and give angels special charge over you as you help the helpless.
  • Betty, Sep 28, 2009 @ 12:44 am | in reply to happypat | delete
    9-28-09---Dear Happypat. You had the courage to realize that you needed help, and you got yourself off the Streets....and best of all, you quit drinking. I am so very proud of you. The human spirit is Unquenchable....We can do whatever we plann
    to do with the Help of God above. He is looking down on all his children, whether they are homeless or whether they have beautiful homes....They are all loved the same by Him......
    No one of them is Useless, they are only going through Bad Times....They need someone
    who has been there to help them dig their way out of the Gutter.....They can't do it alone.
    I have been married twice, and both of my husbands were Alcholics, so I understand where you are coming from. Now my Husband Bob has stopped Drinking, and I am so proud of him.....I want to shout it out to the whole world.! There is Still hope for him....Just tell your Homeless friends.......Every day is a New Beginning, a chance to Start Over.
  • happypat Sep 28, 2009 @ 12:25 am | delete
    Hi Tom, great pics my friend. These people look just like the ones I used to live with back in the 70's down in Long Beach Ca. I was homeless on an off for years starting in 1966. Out of high school and drinking my fool head off. In 1970 I made it to long Beach,Ca. Could not find work so I slept in the old GreyHound Bus Station until they kicked me out.
    Then I would go done to the peer. As life moved on I ended up in Daytona Beach,Fl.
    Had a job then lost it due to my drinking. I wondered the streets there for sometime
    but the last day I had to get help. I was 115 lbs and had nothing to eat for sometime.
    Just drank!! I reached out for help and got it. God has given me a knew Life thru
    a 12 step program. I am now 16 yrs sober and work in the field Giving back to those that suffer!! I will not do anything else until my debt is paid which will be when I die. Amen
    Thank you Tom
  • lasertek Sep 27, 2009 @ 9:34 pm | delete
    Great lens! I admire the effort you've poured onto this. Hope this lens reaches millions of people worldwide.

    Do visit my lens as well if you got the time. Thanks
  • EricaMukherjee Sep 27, 2009 @ 11:54 am | delete
    These are beautiful photos, in that they tell a story rather than merely decorate a wall. For those of us who live in big cities, how many actually take the time to learn about the local panhandlers rather than cross to the other side of the sidewalk?
  • mrbarker Sep 27, 2009 @ 10:21 am | delete
    Seeing these people with their troubles, lonely, and discarded by most people is truly heartbreaking. These people live without the most basic necessities. It makes our lust for the latest, greatest, biggest seem silly and selfish.
  • poutine Sep 27, 2009 @ 10:08 am | delete
    The America we see on television shows is certainly not the America pictured here.

    Great work!

    Poutine
  • boabp Sep 26, 2009 @ 10:50 pm | delete
    Tom It's really sad, I work as a code enforcement officer and there are many times that we have had to vacate homes because of the conditions and many become homeless. My heart goes out to them, especially the children. Take care and God bless and keep up the good work! Vince
  • jezzikabret Sep 24, 2009 @ 10:34 pm | delete
    Wow, this is a real eye opener. Thank you for sharing this with all of us. People need to see what the world really looks like.
  • lampineda Sep 24, 2009 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    I cry for all the,hopeless, homeless, hunger, people. I too am on a fixed income. I can pay most of my bills, but I have nothing left for food. Something needs to be done, to help. Besides this is America,isn't it. I wish everyone in America, could read this, help someway, anyway, and maybe we could once again say, America Land of the Plenly. I give this lens a 10 ********** (Great work Tom )
  • TotalReviewGuy Sep 22, 2009 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    It's amazing how everyone in these pictures is so different, yet the same.
  • jjj1 Sep 22, 2009 @ 1:44 pm | delete
    I've given your lens 5 stars- it deserves it for bringing this topic to our attention. When I see someone sleeping rouhg, I often buy them a coffee/takeaway - I'll do so even more now.
  • derek63 Sep 21, 2009 @ 12:22 pm | delete
    This is unbelievable. Thanks for bring a distant world closer. Great job!
  • inspirational-desktop-wallpaper Sep 21, 2009 @ 11:13 am | delete
    Wow, what a lens. It hits your right in the heart. You have drawn attention to something often over looked. Again, wow.

    Trevor Bowers
    Inspirational Desktop Wallpaper
  • Sep 21, 2009 @ 9:41 am | delete
    This is a great Lenz mate, It made me think how luck I am. I went through a really rough patch in my life and I too lived on the streets. But I'm lucky; I made it through and now have a good job, a great wife and three amazing kids. Strangely, I am now quite hard on Homeless people because I worked hard to get where I am now and I think some of them (not all) could do the same. This Lenz brought back some really shit memories but I'm glad you did this just to make everybody else think about the forgotten people that you see everyday. Thank you!
    Daz
  • Shyam Sep 21, 2009 @ 12:40 am | delete
    Isn't it time America stopped jumping into other people's yards and started cleaning up their own?
    These are real people!
    America "claims" to be THE SUPER POWER!! .... while its people go hungry...
    Your claim is baselss

    The homeless - THIS IS REAL!!
  • cjm2000 Sep 20, 2009 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    really nice hub sometimes we ought to adapt to their world and feel they also feel and not judging them. thanks!!
  • yarnel Sep 20, 2009 @ 5:48 am | delete
    awsome most powerfull lens I ever did see it is a reality that many has been neglegted nor
    attend too or refuse to see the real world on the world they call street.
  • Tipi Sep 19, 2009 @ 11:39 am | delete
    Superior lens MiMi... Not that it needs it but I am going to get it featured on my top lens today.
    The message you convey is sobering and the pictures tell a story. I read an article about over 45,000 Americans that have died because they didn't have health insurance. I don't! Just hope nothing serious ever happens to me because I can't afford it. ~ My heart goes out to anyone who can't get the help they need. I pray that there will be a change and if God can do anything, it will change if more people put their hearts into it as you....
    Love you,
    Susie
  • Michey Sep 19, 2009 @ 7:58 am | delete
    Mimi you have a powerfull mesage here, it is a well deserved #1 and purple star.
    All the best
    Michey
  • O_Johnson26 Sep 18, 2009 @ 8:10 am | delete
    This is a really great lens. Good job!
  • geothermalminnie Sep 17, 2009 @ 8:19 pm | delete
    That was beautiful. I can't stop the tears. Thank you for sharing your beautiful pictures, and for reminding us to be a kinder, less judgemental, and a lot more charitable.
  • Dolly Sep 17, 2009 @ 3:45 pm | delete
    Very powerful message in the photos; very thought-provoking and moving...
  • pliauska Sep 17, 2009 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    Nice lens!!!!!
  • heyniceaddress Sep 16, 2009 @ 8:33 pm | delete
    Amazing lens-work, and that was a terrible pun.

    Your use of black and white is excellent.
  • joeyoung Sep 16, 2009 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    Wow.... to the heart...a new meaning to, a picture is a thousand words.
  • Brookelorren Sep 16, 2009 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    Great job! So sad though.
  • refinedway Sep 16, 2009 @ 11:21 am | delete
    With the advent of 2009 and crisis struck aerica, we have got to raise much higher than what we are. This definitely a picture of growing concern.
    Foreclosures, debt problems, health care and medicare need immediate reforms.
  • skiesgreen Sep 15, 2009 @ 7:04 pm | delete
    Great reminder that we could all end up like this. Very sad to see so many with so little. 5*
  • drs2biz Sep 15, 2009 @ 1:31 am | delete
    Fantastic lens, beautifully presented. 5 *s and a fave!
  • jasminesphotography Sep 14, 2009 @ 7:46 pm | delete
    This is touching. Fantastic lens.
  • perfectpancake Sep 14, 2009 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    Wow this is powerful stuff...
  • Trekkiemelissa Sep 13, 2009 @ 7:44 pm | delete
    Very good lens. 5 stars and a blessing.
  • LaurieBeth Sep 13, 2009 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    My God, what a touching and artistically presented lens. Thank you for making it.
  • OrganicGiftsByDiana Sep 13, 2009 @ 7:53 am | delete
    With so many lay-offs, this will only get worse !

    My heart goes out to these folks as I have known many in the same boat.

    Organically Yours,
    Diana
  • Tobbie Sep 13, 2009 @ 7:00 am | delete
    Caught your squidcast...the video was a great tribute to your lens work!
  • Cptindy Sep 12, 2009 @ 4:15 pm | delete
    Nice Work! Many folks are homeless now and this Lens may bring more attention to the matter!
  • OnlyFunStuff Sep 12, 2009 @ 8:52 am | delete
    Very powerful images and message, Well done for raising awareness about this very important issue.
  • postchadha Sep 12, 2009 @ 8:39 am | delete
    I am also a homeless the only difference is that I have got a place to live in a temple and I work part time in an office. The money I earn is not enough to support my life style, which I have been living in the past.

    I have no one to care for me. I have no relations with my son after the death of my wife 10 years ago. My relations with my one time near and dears have got snapped.

    After the death of my wife I opted for a relationship with a Psychologist, she entered into relationship with me with the sole purpose of defrauding me of the funds I had. It was just a 3 months affair which resulted into my becoming home less.

    It is my will power that I have been in a position to earn a livlihood to keep me meeting my bare mnimum expenses.

    I donot know where my destiny shall take me. I have pity for the home less persons you have met and included in your squidoo lens.

    postchadha@gmail.com
  • vixeen Sep 12, 2009 @ 1:21 am | delete
    ~God Bless all the homeless people and help them find hope!~
  • Kimsworld Sep 12, 2009 @ 12:25 am | delete
    I have seen and met many people just like the ones pictured here. They are all across America, but believe it or not not all of them are unhappy. Some of them choose to live that way. Some just got tried of the hassle, some follow their hearts, and some do it for God. They have enough faith to live that way, and not be afraid. WE are the ones that are afraid.
  • BertBert Sep 11, 2009 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Thank you to Tom Stone for giving you permission to use these photos of the homeless in America. Thank you for painstakingly putting this lens together to bring about an awareness that is needed. May there always be enough charity, love to go around.
  • Grangermdk Sep 11, 2009 @ 4:47 pm | delete
    simply amazing, Thank You
  • blimp66 Sep 10, 2009 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    Amazing photographs!
  • bengriston Sep 10, 2009 @ 3:37 pm | delete
    These are amazing images that should make everyone stop and think how fortunate they are. It should also make them think about what they can do for their fellow man.
  • punkin1976 Sep 9, 2009 @ 11:54 pm | delete
    Zebe thanking the photographer for taking her picture really brought tears to my eyes. It made me realize that all people want is to be recognized for who they are... and to be noticed.
  • drifter0658 Sep 9, 2009 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    Mimi,

    I know your golden heart was wounded in the process of creating the poignant masterpiece, and I also know that you will live with the nightmares filled with these lost eyes. But have hope my friend, there are those whose eyes have been opened because of your work, and even if only one person tries to make a difference, your nightmares do not come in vain.
  • eclecticeducation Sep 9, 2009 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    A wonderful lens. This is such a sad part of America. Thanks for portraying it so well.
  • whitemoss Sep 9, 2009 @ 11:08 am | delete
    Very moving. Glad it made #1.
  • iGrasshopper Sep 9, 2009 @ 1:18 am | delete
    Beautiful. And frightening. So honest, and so alone in this world. Really, really alone. Wow.
  • Trina-R Sep 8, 2009 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    Thank you for allowing me to see the realities of others.
  • bradmauer Sep 8, 2009 @ 9:57 am | delete
    awesome lens this has been an interest to me for a photo essay at some point thanks for the insperation
  • BevsPaper Sep 8, 2009 @ 8:15 am | delete
    Just had to come back and congratulate you on your #1 position in Squidoo! Woot!
  • mikeitloffe Sep 8, 2009 @ 3:57 am | delete
    Wonderful, thanks a lot for this. Splendid portraits. 5 stars from me.
  • zammax Sep 7, 2009 @ 7:30 pm | delete
    It really touches my heart.. Why it is in a America that is known as most advanced country.
  • richperiod Sep 7, 2009 @ 2:19 pm | delete
    I have learnt from live experiences that anytime I think I have a problem; there are people whose cases are far worse than mine. Thanks for bringing this to our attention.
  • Upon-Request Sep 7, 2009 @ 12:51 pm | delete
    Extraordinary. Stunning. Prayer-provoking. Thank you.
  • mobixone Sep 6, 2009 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Oh My God ... America Want Rule On Whole World The Govet Of Us Spends Billions on War but can't spend on their own People In US?
  • Mystify Sep 5, 2009 @ 6:23 pm | delete
    The imagery is absolutely amazing!Not only is it passionate and heartfelt it is thought provoking!This will certainly raise a lot of awareness on a subject that many do not like to consider little alone touch on.Absolutely wonderful work!
  • saritajain86 Sep 5, 2009 @ 2:17 am | delete
    Those pictures really touched my heart... Thank you so much for this...*****
  • gabrielangel Sep 4, 2009 @ 11:46 pm | delete
    It boggles the mind how celebrities will donate all kinds of money in other countries and adopt foreign children when there is so much charity needed in our own backyards.
  • ByYourDesign Sep 4, 2009 @ 8:56 pm | delete
    Your pictures and stories are amazing. They made me cry, especially Gabriel's - way too young although there is no right age to be homeless or to commit suicide.. fast or slow. I would like to help by understanding what can be done to expand Covenant House to the Southwest and NorthWest and will contact them to do so. Thank you for this lens.. it is immediately deep and to the point.
  • foovay Sep 4, 2009 @ 5:25 pm | delete
    I've been there. I've met these people. I managed to get up again, but I don't think it is because I have any specialness. In my book, The River Way, I also talk about some of the homeless people I met. Some wonderful people. I love the way you've done the lens, the photography captures the character and the pathos so well. Thank you for sharing this and for using your art to get the American people to actually LOOK at the homeless. Maybe, just maybe, one or two will be moved to do something to help.
  • markreed23 Sep 4, 2009 @ 7:34 am | delete
    Thats seems to happen in this country as well, it seems the government spend their time and money helping other countries and forget about their own people. Crazy world we live in. Very sad ti actually hear some of their stories. A great lens to raise awareness and makes you think just how lucky we are.
  • andrew Sep 4, 2009 @ 7:15 am | delete
    How about asking what can I do? what have you done to help the homeless in your area? Have you talked to them, or simply pretended to not notice them as you passed by? Have you served them breakfast at a local soup kitchen, or just thrown some spare change in their guitar case? I would pray that this wonderful lens inspires us to approach the homeless with a softer heart of compassion, not be angry with a government, expecting them to do more, when we all know they aren't good at anything.
    Be the change you want to see...I think someone has said that before. Smart person.
  • mgaines Sep 3, 2009 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    This touched my heart in such a way that I am angry at the system of government that allows this to happen. America gives to so many other countries - how about starting here at home and taking care of our own for a change.
  • bipolar_bare Sep 2, 2009 @ 10:06 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful lens, if that word is appropriate for such a powerful and deplorable situation. Homelessness is one of the disgraces of America and as beautiful as these portraits are they expose a cancer in our life as a nation. When I look at the living ghost that is Rebecca, who was only 54 years old and has been on the streets for over a decade I want to scream. Her look has the look of Edward Munch's Howl. How can we a civilized nation let this happen. Our leaders are criminal. Don't tell me there is nothing that can be done. Its a lie.
  • julianz23 Sep 2, 2009 @ 7:52 pm | delete
    Many mentioned the pictures, Yes they were great, what made them great for me(For most i imagine)was the people in them. Your writing brought the focus to an artistic point. I have been homeless 5 times before. I am a writer/starving artist/Metaphysical-poet. Whenever this topic is brought to us artistically, it just seems natural to care. The better the art, the more emotion we are willing to invest. Your writing, reflected your honesty and set perfectly, bringing to life the importance of this lens. A terrific job that you should be proud of. Thank you.
  • blue22d Sep 2, 2009 @ 1:44 pm | delete
    You have done an excellent job in capturing the "heart" of the homeless. The black and white photos helps emphasize the character of each face and what they must be feeling, more so, than if you had used color shots. Five stars and a favorite. Great job.
  • ATP Sep 2, 2009 @ 9:30 am | delete
    Very heartfelt, and rather depressing. Is there a way (without going to where they live) that we can help those individuals you showed? Because really...I wanna help THEM.
  • forexqs Sep 2, 2009 @ 7:11 am | delete
    Truly moving, and in each face their individual beauty is captured. Your lens will leave a lasting impression on many, beautiful job.
    http://forexqs.blogspot.com/
  • StartMyInternetBusiness Sep 2, 2009 @ 5:17 am | delete
    I thought I was already going through a lot. But your lens, the pictures you've shown made me realize just how lucky I am. I mean compared to them I have a lot to be grateful for. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I feel like I am alone, but after I saw this, I know I would never take anything for granted again. Your pictures are so moving, especially the one of Gabriel. His story was really sad.
  • WhitePineLane Sep 1, 2009 @ 9:42 pm | delete
    An incredible lens! Really moving.
  • lwhitelaw Sep 1, 2009 @ 5:24 pm | delete
    Wow - this lens can really make a person feel grateful for all that you have. My heart goes out to these people.
  • BlissNow Sep 1, 2009 @ 9:35 am | delete
    Truly moving, and in each face their individual beauty is captured. Your lens will leave a lasting impression on many, beautiful job.
  • KarenKay Sep 1, 2009 @ 8:18 am | delete
    Mimi...incredible.

    Thanks on so many levels for this.....

    Beautiful people.
  • OhMe Sep 1, 2009 @ 7:30 am | delete
    Wow, LOTD, Purple Star and 13- five gold stars - and now #2 overall and all are well deserved!
  • Michey Sep 1, 2009 @ 6:55 am | delete
    This is a very hard problem to solved, but I think this lens is an excellent invitation to action, reflection, ideas, and hopefully some energy will conclude with some actions. When R Giuliani was NY Mayor he took some steps to solve this problem for the city of NY, I think his work must be a start for solving this problem at country level.

    Mimi you had a great idea to create a lens, and the number of comments, ranking, purple stare prove my point. 5*, fav, lensroll it.
    All the best
    Michey
  • Laddoo Sep 1, 2009 @ 2:31 am | delete
    I am totally speechless! a Lens which has moved through my soul!
  • Krissttina Isobe/quicpost@yahoo.com Aug 31, 2009 @ 6:01 pm | delete
    Hello:
    reading your lens/article made quite an impact of sadness. Help: 1. get funding any way you can for these unfortunate people-private or governmental. 2. change laws for welfare too so more people can live with dignity and there will be no pitiful homeless MLS patients living in the streets. 3. huntersite.com/ and freerice.com helps feed the needy and gives medical help too and helps animals too free click or vocabulary tests. 4. Never give up hope that the problem can be solutionized. Living in Hawaii, with a tough economic turn many was on the brink of homelessness and people got fund raising going too for these people: http://hawaii.realestaterama.com/2009/07/09/hawaii-receiving-economic-recovery-funds-to-help-families-facing-homelessness-due-to-sudden-financial-crises-ID065.html#comment-129. Rental subsidy helps people a lot while working and it gives you a lift that America has this for her working people too. You got to let congress know the problems too.
  • Starving_Artist Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:55 pm | delete
    Beautiful, so many people treat the homeless like they are nameless shadows, thanks creating such an important lens.
  • jfield Aug 31, 2009 @ 3:23 pm | delete
    Lovely and moving. Well done, Mimi.
  • Joan Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:39 pm | delete
    Thanks MiMi for having this lens benefit Covenant House. Tom's work is very compelling and seems to peer into the soul. Our kids at Covenant House are grateful to you and to Tom for helping raise awareness of their humanity.
  • Joan4 Aug 31, 2009 @ 2:06 pm | delete
    Congratulations # 2 overall!! Wonderful!
  • rlmodranski Aug 31, 2009 @ 11:59 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing! And if you personally know Tom Stone, thank him for sharing too!
  • MissyandGruber Aug 31, 2009 @ 11:08 am | delete
    I'm moved to tears. We all know its out there, but its different to see it, read it. Speaking to them gives the problem a more personal face. May your efforts bear fruit. Bless you.
  • Shelly Aug 31, 2009 @ 9:56 am | delete
    What an amzing labor of love you have created here, I would think it was created through a flood of tears. One may wonder why so many people who live close to the street are willing to be photographed, I think it is because it validates that they are here after being invisible to so many every day of their lives. When one actually interacts with these also beloved of God, it challenges the mind set because they are now humanized--even as you have done here. Sometimes taking time to stop and smell the roses can mean the discovery of a precious soul. Their are many things we don't understand, but we don't have to understand someone to acknowledge them. The grace of God has us in another place but there is not a wall--we can cross the boundaries and encourage another soul when our paths cross. Mother Theresa has been quoted as saying, "A smile is the universal language". Everybody has a story.
    A well deserve LOTD and Purple Star.
  • belloahmad Aug 31, 2009 @ 7:16 am | delete
    I like such lens that is meaningful and educative, because i believe many people doesn't understand how life differ, because of the nature of the place there living, but by such lens i will say is another way of keeping people update.
  • biggly Aug 31, 2009 @ 4:37 am | delete
    Stunning pictures.
  • Blossom777 Aug 30, 2009 @ 11:43 pm | delete
    My heart breaks for these dear people. I never pass them by without stopping and sharing what little I may have. I dig into my handbag and also wish them God's blessings. I have been criticized for doing so but I could care less what others may think. It is so unfortunate with all
    the wealth in our country that we have homeless people living under these horrible conditions.

    Great Great lens
  • WhitU4ever Aug 30, 2009 @ 9:15 pm | delete
    I'll take all of 'em! Very good lens... 5*'s and favorited.
  • efarmiga Aug 30, 2009 @ 8:00 pm | delete
    Powerful! Homelessness is very different when you put a face (or faces in this case) to it.
  • vbright105 Aug 30, 2009 @ 6:14 pm | delete
    It's odd that people always comment what a terrible thing homelessness is, but there ARE things we can do. LIttle things like taking them sandwiches on Saturdays or knitting or crocheting blankets to hand out to them. Or, maybe, just NOT averting our gaze when we pass them on the street. Angel blessings to your lens Mimi
  • rob1957 Aug 30, 2009 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    What a moving lens.
  • LoKackl Aug 30, 2009 @ 2:30 pm | delete
    Very Very powerful. Thanks for bringing the photographer and the issue to light.
  • LearningIsFun Aug 30, 2009 @ 1:50 pm | delete
    I'm new to Squidoo - and was very pleased to see a hard-hitting lens on a really powerful subject. I was worried Squidoo might have too many commercially oriented lenses for me; but your lens shows that you can use it to get ideas across and try to make a difference.
  • LindaJM Aug 30, 2009 @ 10:18 am | delete
    Great work, Mimi, and well-deserved lens of the day!
  • aj2008 Aug 30, 2009 @ 7:13 am | delete
    So thrilled to find that not only do you have a Purple Star but you also g=have a Lens of the Day. Congratulations MiMi. You spend so much time promoting and helping others on Squidoo that I cannot think of a more worthier recipient. The Lens is outstanding too!
  • Deb Lamb Aug 30, 2009 @ 7:08 am | delete
    Unbelievably powerful! What a great job at showing us a bit about the real people behind the unfortunate circumstance of being homeless! I don't think people really realize what sort of people can and have been homeless.

    I was homeless with two small children, ended up in the salvation army soup line, had lived in my truck, ran out of gas trying to stay warm and I remember what an awful and scary feeling it was. So I know first hand what it is like and how horrible it can be.

    I'm currently writing about it and will have it posted on my blog fairly soon. As I'm writing about my story it brings back all those intense feelings we experienced and it makes my heart ache all over again. It's tough but I feel I need to share my story for others to know that you can and will get through it.

    God bless those that are having to experience it and just know that there is hope and that is what keeps us going!
  • Tobbie Aug 30, 2009 @ 6:23 am | delete
    Fantastic lens, Kudo's to you for pushing awareness!
  • Lightvision Aug 29, 2009 @ 10:42 pm | delete
    Wow! If this is the standard I have a long way to go! Great Lens! It caught me off guard and brought a tear to my eyes.
  • chefkeem Aug 29, 2009 @ 10:42 pm | delete
    Blessed like crazy, MiMi. What an outstanding lens! :-)
  • Charmaine_Lim Aug 29, 2009 @ 9:52 pm | delete
    Good lens, very touching!
  • EagleScoutMom Aug 29, 2009 @ 9:09 pm | delete
    Very touching and moving lens.
  • stargazer00 Aug 29, 2009 @ 8:46 pm | delete
    Homelessness is a complex problem. Shameful that it can happen in this land of plenty. Congrats on a well deserved LOTD and purple star.
  • Tipi Aug 29, 2009 @ 8:27 pm | delete
    Wow, MiMi! This is an incredible lens that is touching hearts, it has mine.
    Congratulations on LOTD!
    Susie
  • Gramps Aug 29, 2009 @ 7:37 pm | delete
    There for the grace of God, go any one of us!!!
  • Frankster Aug 29, 2009 @ 6:54 pm | delete
    Well deserved LoTD. It is beautifully done with a powerful message. Black and white really is the right medium for this work of art. Thanks for sharing. Bear hugs, Frankie
  • shirland Aug 29, 2009 @ 5:28 pm | delete
    Great Lens, the story told about each person reminds you of someone that you know. The homeless are normally invisible but these photos bring them to the forefront of my mind.
  • Pastor James Sleighter Aug 29, 2009 @ 5:07 pm | delete
    Sadly...It is getting worse..Billions on Wall Street and the carmakers...A pitance to the homeless...They will soon migrate south to Florida to our shelters..Thousands come each year.Many die during their journey.We just found a man that had died months ago from the heat..Thousands of cars drove by each day without noticing him or his decaying smell.Our rural area of woods and swamps makes it more difficult as towns are 15-20 miles away from their camps.But at least they do not freeze.Pray that we have a season without death...

    Pastor James M Sleighter
    Mission in Citrus Inc / Director
    We are a 501 (C) 3 Public Charity
    2488 North Pennsylvania Ave
    Crystal River Florida 34428
    http://missionincitrus.com
    mission@tampabay.rr.com
    Office - (352) 794-3825
    Fax - (352) 794-3826
    Angels on Wheels
    Working to put an end to rural homelessness.
  • strayspay Aug 29, 2009 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    I can't think of a term to describe the lens. The images are wonderfully done but disturbing. I think we need to be disturbed and I appreciate you and Stone doing it. Five star lens.
  • rms Aug 29, 2009 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    Congrats on LotD!
  • Aug 29, 2009 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Quite thought provoking! We need to ask ourselves how can we each create an opportunity for someone, anyone, stuck in a rut. These people are indeed our brothers and sisters and I will think that way from this minute forward.
  • KarateKatGraphics Aug 29, 2009 @ 1:21 pm | delete
    Beautiful lens, does Squidoo proud.
  • ronpass Aug 29, 2009 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    Mimi, a very moving and challenging lens. I've lensrolled it to my Footpath Library lens. It makes you realize that there is something we can all do to help the homeless, whether we are a photographer or someone who shares their love of books or a lensmaker or artist or someone who stops to chat or who buys the local homeless publication or who donates to Covenant House. Congrats on LOTD and purple.
  • Wysiwigs Aug 29, 2009 @ 1:04 pm | delete
    What a touching lens ~ It has always troubled me how quickly we are able to send aid overseas when so much of it is needed right here...
  • Larry Miller Aug 29, 2009 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Like so many others I'm always appalled by the lack of compassion in not only our own government but how calloused we as Americans have become. Thanks to people like Tom Stone to help bring this tragedy to the forefront. But for those of you who can't face this problem, you can still say that they are just lazy people who don't want to work.
  • Michey Aug 29, 2009 @ 12:36 pm | delete
    Mimi, this is an important lens which I hope will make a lot of people think about it.
    Very well done and presented, it really is a shame that we have homeless people in out rich and beautiful country.
    Congratulation for the first place, it is well deserved.
    Regards
    Michey
  • faria from Montreal Aug 29, 2009 @ 12:05 pm | delete
    really nice lense in Montreal we are same things lot of homelesse hope government help them and peoples open their eyes everybody can became homeless in this world. ope is the best thing
  • MiaBellezza Aug 29, 2009 @ 11:47 am | delete
    This is a riveting account of the homeless problem in America. The black and white photos eliminate the superfluous, bringing home the stark reality of their existence.

    It's compelling also because it elicits the fear in each and every one of us that this could happen to us. Will this be the key, or will we turn away from our fears, as we have done in the past?

    Or do we continue to believe it couldn't possibly happen to us? It's kinda like when Hitler and the Nazis kept taking people away and the neighbors said "None of my business, I'm not a _____". In other words, none of my business, I'm not affected.

    The question is, does anyone truly care enough to do anything about the homeless in America? The answer, so far, has been unfortunately, no.

    They say only 2 to 3% of the population need to make a conscious decision about a desired outcome to achieve the desired reality.

    5* lens.
  • Zut_Moon Aug 29, 2009 @ 11:17 am | delete
    Squidoo Lens of The Day ... WOW ... U should get a Golden Heart for that ... Oh, You already have one ...duh ... I forgot .

    Well Done !!!
  • BusyQueen Aug 29, 2009 @ 10:28 am | delete
    A very sad condition for America and most homeless suffer from mental illness. Which makes the situation even worse!
    A great lens and not an easy subject. 5*****'s and favorite.
  • BY_THE_BOOK_REFORM Aug 29, 2009 @ 10:16 am | delete
    Really makes you think and wonder what if it were me. AWESOME job hitting the soul hard and deep. Thanks for the wake up call.
  • Shibamom Aug 29, 2009 @ 9:17 am | delete
    What an amazing lens telling such a heartbreaking story.
  • dustytoes Aug 29, 2009 @ 6:37 am | delete
    For most people it's impossible to understand what being alone -all alone- in this world means and how devasting it is. Beautifully done.
  • MichelleH Aug 29, 2009 @ 12:12 am | delete
    This is a fantastic lens! Congratulations on LOTD
  • andreaberrios Aug 28, 2009 @ 8:26 pm | delete
    Congratulations on your purple star. This is an amazing lens! Thanks for sharing! 5*
  • Randy Tyler Aug 28, 2009 @ 8:14 pm | delete
    Good work Sis. May some be provoked unto love and to good works by your lens. Hebrews 10:24. May those already in the trenches remember why they are there. "This life will soon be past, only that done for Christ will last." I love you.
  • mama j Aug 28, 2009 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    very touching. and heartbreaking. and emotional. and sad. and heartbreaking.
  • CoolFoto Aug 28, 2009 @ 7:23 pm | delete
    Congrats on your purple star.
  • Margo_Arrowsmith Aug 28, 2009 @ 5:58 pm | delete
    A well deserved lens of the day. Stumble thumbs up! 5*
  • paperfacets Aug 28, 2009 @ 5:50 pm | delete
    Sad and touching.
  • Shar Aug 28, 2009 @ 5:17 pm | delete
    What can one say, your lens really makes one stop and look... It's all to easy to pass the homeless on the street, making sure not to make eye contact. Your lens provided me with a look into the eyes of the homeless. I must say it opened my eyes - wide... Great work
  • ArtByLinda Aug 28, 2009 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    Incredible stories of each of these unique individuals, those photographs are amazing!
  • Zut_Moon Aug 28, 2009 @ 3:51 pm | delete
    This is a pretty intesne lens but should not exist. Why are these people forgotten?

    There is something wrong with any country (especially the rich ones) which allows such poverty, loneliness and despair to exist. It is appalling.
  • BigGirlBlue Aug 28, 2009 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    This really shows that homelessness has a word wide reach.
  • Redbird23 Aug 28, 2009 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    This lens hit me in the pit of my stomach. The photographs almost jumped off the page. Very Powerful.
  • mukunda22 Aug 28, 2009 @ 2:26 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful, beautiful tribute to one of America's worst problems!

    What can we do about it? Enact Single Payer Healthcare delivery. It's the most important thing we can do to eradicate poverty.

    Thanks for saying it with these gorgeous pics of honesty and suffering.
  • KathyMcGraw Aug 28, 2009 @ 1:15 pm | delete
    Congratulations on the LOD.....and a big thank you to Tom Stone for his work in documenting this.
  • Joan4 Aug 28, 2009 @ 11:34 am | delete
    A very well deserved LOTD! Congratulations! This lens is one of my favorite ever - and I think you know that already! Wow and Wow and Wow! Celebrating with you! What an impact this lens is having on all of us here at Squidoo! Thank you for creating such a powerful lens!
  • lizziebeth Aug 28, 2009 @ 11:24 am | delete
    There should be no throwaway people. All people should be valued and cherished. We need more resources spent on all of the homeless people out there. What beautiful and haunting photos and a wakeup call for everyone.
  • blujeanmomma Aug 28, 2009 @ 9:15 am | delete
    Your tribute to Tom is as beautiful and loving as his work. Excellent - just excellent!
    Tom will be missed.
  • janices7 Aug 28, 2009 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Congrats on LOTD.....a picture is worth a thousand words and you've done a fantastic job of presenting the homeless plight in this lens. As we all sit in our comfy little houses today and read this lens, I hope that we think about all those right here in the U.S. that are sleeping on the streets and going to bed hungry. Thanks for the perspective....you brought a little tear to my eye this morning. A well-deserved 5* and more!
  • Dr_Rozno Aug 28, 2009 @ 7:12 am | delete
    This is by far the best lens I have ever seen. It has loads of energy and it;'s moving and it's taking you to the people. I feel urge to fly to SFO and find that great homeless people and improve life of at least one. Priceless!
  • Dr_Rozno Aug 28, 2009 @ 7:12 am | delete
    This is by far the best lens I have ever seen. It has loads of energy and it;'s moving and it's taking you to the people. I feel urge to fly to SFO and find that great homeless people and improve life of at least one. Priceless!
  • Rewards4life Aug 28, 2009 @ 4:29 am | delete
    Congratulations on being featured and the purple star. I'd rate you again if I could. Well done, Mimi!
  • NAIZA Aug 28, 2009 @ 3:05 am | delete
    What a heartbreaking subject.. A sad reality of life that some of us might not be aware of. Terrific lens! Congratulations on LoTD as well. :)
  • Spook Aug 28, 2009 @ 2:24 am | delete
    I have said it before on another of your lenses Mimi, but I can't believe such things happen in America. I can understand it on a small scale but here it seems so prevalent, so sad. Congratulations on a purple and LOTD, couldn't happen to a nicer person.
  • cablesize Aug 27, 2009 @ 9:44 pm | delete
    Well you made my eyes water. Lovely stuff.
  • Kate-Phizackerley Aug 27, 2009 @ 8:54 pm | delete
    The most deserving LOTD I have ever seen. A landmark in Squidoo quality. I've added it to my Best of Squidoo lens.
  • ElizabethJeanAllen Aug 27, 2009 @ 6:02 pm | delete
    We are all responsible. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that. We are all a part of the human race and need to offer a helping hand. Why is that so hard to remember?
    Beautiful lens.
    5* and favored.
    Lizzy
  • suziesuging Aug 27, 2009 @ 5:35 pm | delete
    looking at the pictures, it's so sad that we leaving in the richest country but yet we still have homeless people. I think some of them because lazy but some of them just can't find a job, just because the way they looked or present them self, no body giving them opportunity to improve their life.
  • Rikisecho Aug 27, 2009 @ 4:23 pm | delete
    I hope we will stop this before too long, I would love if you and I had nothing to write about.
  • kiwisoutback Aug 27, 2009 @ 3:55 pm | delete
    Amazing job Mimi, you've really set the bar. Besides the great customization and look of the lens, its a moving story that flows perfectly. Squid Angel blessed, congratulations on LOTD!
  • galleryofgrace Aug 27, 2009 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    There but for the Grace of God go I. Been there almost done that, I had a car so didn't have to hit the streets.
    It's a whole other world out there and I'll never forget that.
    Thank you , Tom, we appreciate you.
  • Aug 27, 2009 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Wow! This is honestly one of the best and most important lenses I have ever seen! Good for you!!!
  • corporateeventcompany Aug 27, 2009 @ 1:45 pm | delete
    Great post. The photos are very touching. I just hope and pray that somebody, we can, if not eradicate, reduce poverty.
  • enslavedbyfaeries Aug 27, 2009 @ 1:35 pm | delete
    Superb!! Very touching, passionate and "real". I literally have chills reading and viewing the photographs on this lens. Congratulations on your much deserved Purple Star and LOTD!
  • Ladydove62 Aug 27, 2009 @ 1:06 pm | delete
    This is a beautiful and touching lens. These stories and faces could be anyone of us in a moment's time. I commend you for bringing this touchy subject to the fore-front. Congratulations on your well-deserved purple heart!
  • KimGiancaterino Aug 27, 2009 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    Very timely... Last night I watched a documentary on Shelby Lee Adams who photographs the people of Appalachia. These are haunting images. Congratulations on your purple star and LOTD awards. Squid Angel Blessed.
  • happynutritionist Aug 27, 2009 @ 11:51 am | delete
    I can't stop looking at these pictures, mesmerizing, and so worthy of LOTD, thank you for sharing and reminding us how blessed we are no matter how little we have...and to reach out to those who have nothing. 5 stars and lensrolled ~claudia
  • Artemus-Gordon Aug 27, 2009 @ 11:49 am | delete
    These are very touching photos and pieces on these lives that so many try and pretend are not there. It is a reminder that we all need to do something to help out our fellow man.
  • mbgphoto Aug 27, 2009 @ 11:45 am | delete
    Very well done and very moving!! Congratulations on your purple star. This lens needs to be noticed!!
  • glassjubo Aug 27, 2009 @ 11:17 am | delete
    This has really touched me but I shouldn't be suprised. I see people like this all the time where I live, sometimes I take them into my house to get clean, but In the end we can only do so much. It should be up to the government to help the homeless.
  • AdrienneJenkins Aug 27, 2009 @ 10:58 am | delete
    Amazing lens
  • Lakota429 Aug 27, 2009 @ 10:45 am | delete
    Congratulations on LOTD! Well deserved. Great photography. Annie~
  • TopStyleTravel Aug 27, 2009 @ 9:55 am | delete
    Lovely lens on a timely and pressing situation. Hope this moves everyone to do more. Simple things can mean so much, like the man who wanted a hat to keep his head warm. I sometimes keep basics like blankets, umbrellas,etc. in my car, in case someone needs it. Congrats on LOTD!
  • Mountainside-Crochet Aug 27, 2009 @ 9:52 am | delete
    Had to return to tell you congratulations on the LOTD! This special lens is certainly deserving of this honor.
  • JaguarJulie Aug 27, 2009 @ 9:40 am | delete
    Wow, MiMi -- this is an awesome tribute to the beauty that can be seen in the faces of the homeless. Congrats on the purple star and LOTD. This is a moving experience.
  • alteredkat Aug 27, 2009 @ 8:43 am | delete
    Great lens - congrats on LoTD!
  • Susan52 Aug 27, 2009 @ 8:07 am | delete
    Beautiful lens, important book. Congratulations on LOTD!
  • Quirina Aug 27, 2009 @ 4:54 am | delete
    A touching lens... reading it in a hotel room paid by the company I am working for. Thinking that homelessness could never happen to me...

    ???
  • Treasures-By-Brenda Aug 27, 2009 @ 3:12 am | delete
    Beautifully done; interesting subject. Blessed by an Angel.
    Congratulations on Lens of the Day, Mimi!
  • OhMe Aug 27, 2009 @ 3:09 am | delete
    WOW! Congratulations on LOTD! Fantastic!
  • AlishaV Aug 27, 2009 @ 1:37 am | delete
    The thing that strikes me is each person is so beautiful. The life in their faces, or lack of, the angst or loneliness in their eyes, they are all so heartwrenchingly beautiful and we all walk past people like this every day and don't even see them, they're just part of the scenery. No matter what else he did, probably the greatest gift Tom ever gave these people was acknowledging their existence.
  • badmsm Aug 27, 2009 @ 12:54 am | delete
    What a very moving lens! Great Job, Mimi. Congrats on LOTD. Starred & Blessed by me!
  • BevsPaper Aug 26, 2009 @ 9:29 pm | delete
    Just had to stop back by and congratulate you on a well deserved Purple Star!
  • sandyspider Aug 26, 2009 @ 8:45 pm | delete
    Great lens!
  • kimmanleyort Aug 26, 2009 @ 2:40 pm | delete
    Amazing photographs. We're all just people, right? Added to 50qualitylenses
  • charlino Aug 26, 2009 @ 2:00 pm | delete
    Excellent wake up call. This lens is well worth the Purple Star.
  • KathyMcGraw Aug 26, 2009 @ 1:30 pm | delete
    Mimi- I just linked, and lensrolled this to one of mine on using the Creative Commons License for Photos. I wanted to show people that you can ask the Original Copyright owner to use their photos, and give this as an example of a Beautiful lens.
  • Load More

by

GrowWear

"Homeless in America" is an essay of black and white photographs by Tom Stone from his Flickr set entitled "American Outsiders."

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags