Project "Life On The Streets" Launch!!

Have you ever imagined what it was like if you had to live on the streets? Asking complete strangers for loose change? Going hungry for a few days until you found food? Looking through trash bins for recyclables? Project "Life On The Streets" create by Terry Lim, a local San Diego photographer, investigates what and how it is exactly to be living on the streets.
This project seeks to create awareness that thousands of people across America, and even in the world are in these types of situations and to make their stories heard, one story at a time.

March 24, 2010

As I walk into the McDonalds restaurant located right across City College in downtown San Diego, I pass by a gentleman standing on the curb of the street as if he were waiting for the bus to come. As I am taking my order for my happy meal, I realize I have a coupon for a "buy one get one free happy meal" I think to myself, 'i dont really need 2 drinks' so i decide to give one to this man that is standing on the curb. As I pay for my food, the young girl at the counter asks if i wanted the toy? I kindly decline the toy because i had no use for it!?! She then said, that i could just give it to a kid on the street. I told her that would be kinda weird....like i was trying to kidnap kids or something. So I just told her to save it for the next kid who wants a happy meal. As i patiently wait for my 2 happy meals to arrive, I cant help but look at the man still standing on the curb. I think to myself, i hope he doesn't leave, because i really want to talk to him. My food finally arrives a few minutes later and i quickly grab my bag and drinks and go outside to meet this gentleman. I kindly ask him if he wanted my extra meal, he kindly accepted and then I asked him if i could ask him a few questions. He accepted my offer and we began to talk. This is, The story of Jimmy...
Jimmys story begins with a Vietnam Veteran who was unable to find work after moving to San Diego. It is sad because Jimmy has Cancer, he found this information out in 2006, and ever since then, has not been able to find work. So he spends his days on the street, with only 1 friend he talks with and not much assistance from the local shelter, Jimmy finds himself limping around with his cane. It is hard for him to walk to many places, especially the shelter because of his disease. So he finds himself mostly at parks or any one location where he doesnt have to walk around much due to his limited mobility. Its hard for people living on the streets because the shelter only provides 1 meal a day for people who are not enrolled at the shelter. 1 meal a day is not much nutrition and thus is why people living on the streets ask others for donations or food, they are simply trying to survive. Some of the major issues with people that have this kind of life style tend to need food, shelter, medicine, and water. Jimmy told me that, if he could have a home cooked meal, it would be Salmon, a loaf of bread, baked potato, salad, and some ice tea. I asked him, if someone gave you five dollars, what would you do with it and why. He responded, "save it for supper and buy a loaf of bread with some peanut butter". If living on the streets has taught him anything, it is to be most compassionate about fellow humans and to help others when in need.
I had chatted with Jimmy for about 45 minutes or so, and after our conversation, I kindly asked him if i could take a few photos of him. He accepted and amazingly knew a little about photography himself! I was amazed and showed him all the cool camera equipment i had. I snapped a couple headshots of Jimmy and kindly thanked him for his time! As i departed, I reached into my wallet and handed him a 5$ bill.
Its moments like these which make me feel like a better human being and create good karma for myself. Just to sit down and show someone a little compassion can go a long way, lets not be selfish and give a helping hand to those who are less fortunate and hopefully....just hopefully, the world would be a better place to live. Taking one small step can give someone priceless emotions and memories which can lasts a lifetime.
Thank You for reading the first installment of "Life On The Steets" be sure to check back regulary for new stories. And if you feel that you would like to contribute to a needy cause, please feel free to get in contact with me! Thank You for your time!