Before and After

A lack of privacy that categorized life on the streets, whereas housing affords an increased privacy. Having a sense of privacy not only increased access to sanitary places to sleep, cook, and clean, but also it restored dignity.

Once housed, photographers needed a period of time to rest and recover from the recent trauma of homelessness. Although sometimes lonely, this period of rest was important for recovery.

Housing also afforded the opportunity to reconnect with family members and friends. Hearing from old friends and family invoked a sense of joy and having a home to where they could invite friends and family was very important to recovery from homelessness.

Many photographers confirmed that they experienced psychological benefits, indicating increased hope, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Not only did they feel better about themselves and their ability to have control over their own lives, but also they felt that they had the agency to enact change in their communities and the capacity to “give back.”

Housing allowed the opportunity to make good choices and to reach their full potential. While experiencing homelessness, individuals are in “fight of flight” and their life is categorized by constrained choices. On the other hand, life in housing afforded the opportunity to live in ways that were more in line with personal and spiritual beliefs and to work on their individual goals. No longer in “fight or flight” mode, photographers were able to reconnect with family, live healthier lifestyles, and to be contribute to their communities.