The Elephant of Santa Ana

Peterson just completed his first portrait of the year for his organization Faces of Santa Ana. Jonathan Pope, a man in his mid-30’s, suffering from intense acid-reflux and currently living in a Santa Ana shelter, was Peterson’s first subject. The painting has a realistic quality to it, featuring…

Opinion | Legal Encampments: A Tool in the Arsenal of Solutions to End OC Homelessness

Despite being considered inhumane by many housing advocates, legal encampments can be a valuable tool in the arsenal of solutions to end homelessness. …

An End to Homeless Debt: Pro Bono Ticket Clinics Challenge Quality-of-Life Penalties

With an increasing trend in criminalizing homelessness, many individuals are forced to hide from authorities to avoid misdemeanors. Most cities have laws that prohibit the possession of a shopping cart or sleeping on the sidewalk, as well as life-sustaining activities such as pitching a tent, sitting and eating…

A Conversation With Anita Tam: The PTA Mom Turned Wonder Woman

Anita Tam, 53, is an Asian-American mother of 2 who immigrated to the United States from Hong Kong as a young adult. Based in the San Gabriel Valley, Anita has spent over a decade participating in a multitude of community outreach and volunteer programs. She is currently a…

How the Housing First Model Offers an Unorthodox Solution to Homelessness

Up until recently, the most prominent approach to solving homelessness appealed to the “conventional” wisdom, suggesting that society should aim to alleviate common problems surrounding homelessness like trauma and addiction in hopes to facilitate a homeless individual's ability to to find a stable home. …

United to End Homelessness: An Interview with Sue Parks

United to End Homelessness is an initiative whose mission is to reduce homelessness in Orange County to functional zero by 2024. By collaborating with other organizations, government agencies, and public institutions like UC Irvine, United Way is dedicated to helping the community and its constituents. After speaking with…

MI CASA ES SU CASA: How Casa Youth Shelter is a Place of Home and New Beginnings

On a regular day, many pass the homeless on their way to the local coffee shop or night class and do little more than cast a sympathetic glance their way or, at times, even offer a few dollars as solace. This is the extent to which many interact…

Finding Illumination in the Darkest of Times: Stories of Homelessness in Orange County

Captivating portraits and stories from some of Orange County's homeless residents.…

As Reno Grows, So Could Its Homeless Population

Even though it seems beneficial when cities grow and large companies take residence, the current residents reap the losses. …

A Change for the Worse: Homelessness and Climate Change

In winter, most people can simply put on their coats, dawn their beanies, and endure weather with relative ease. In summer, air conditioning and easy access to hydration make the heat a mostly irrelevant issue. But for the homeless, these everyday climates can become a lethal problem.…