This is Red Dog, a wanderer throughout the city. Likely to see him anywhere, but his story is he's trying to get to California to see people he knows.
Even though homeless, a Camp Hope guest still wants to show love of country. I thought that the pinwheel was for weather forcasting for wind, but I'm sure that living in a tent makes them acutely aware of the weather conditions.
Michael is an American Veteran. Homeless for years, sometimes he can get a few weeks in a motel, but his larger problem is PTSD from serving in Iraq. He has to get to El Paso, Texas for treatment, and 50 miles of travel is not always possible.
Jack and Billy. The leash trained cat is his and his wifes best friend. But I have a suspicion that they all provide support for each other. 'Transplants' from the streets of L.A. Jack, his wife, and Billy like the help and support Camp Hope offers.
MJ and 16 others left Florida for Kentucky about a year ago. Being the last one of the group she did some searching and found the City of Hope here in Las Cruces. A common problem with the homeless is trying to get disability, but the staff here is very helpful with the paperwork. She will be moving to 'Sues House' when it opens, a home conceived by one of the staff. There will be room for 4 displaced women.
Mary and Bill, below, have been here since April. She is a CNA, and a full time college student, and works as a janitor part time. She got sick while working at the hospital, and without health insurance watched as they got behind on rent and car payments.
Bill was a 12 year Army Veteran and came from Chicago. The weather here is better for their situation the the cold of the north. He also works as a janitor at the same place Mary does. The two dogs, Princess and Shadow, were also rescued from the local shelter. He can sum his life up as 'Homeless but not hopeless'
