Yard with Lawn Decorations, Eastside, Detroit 2014
I came across this yard and started to take a photograph when the owner came out and asked me what I was doing. She was very pleasant and asked me if I wouldn't mind coming back tomorrow because she was having the grass cut and it would look so much better. I obliged.
Los with His Harmless Weapon, Robinwood Street, Detroit 2014
The only kind of weapon he believes people should be allowed to carry in Detroit, or anywhere for that matter.
Two Mormon Missionaries, Southwest Side, Detroit 2014
Elders Langford and Nording are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They have committed to working in Detroit for a two year period canvassing neighborhoods and spreading the word of the Mormon church.
Ben Working on His New Building, Chene Street, Poletown, Detroit 2014
Ben moved to Detroit a year ago after living in Brooklyn for seven years. He got tired of paying high rents for 500 square foot apartments and with his girlfriend bought a building on Chene Street for $1000.00. They're in the process of fixing it up and plan to move in before winter. It's challenging, but he said the satisfaction of improving something you own and investing in yourself is really a great feeling.
Free Food Give Away, Poletown, Detroit 2014
A pastor gives away free food for anyone who walks by. He was also asking for donations after thieves broke into his church and stole all of his musical equipment. After 35 years at the same location, he is undeterred and promises not to leave the community.
Kristal in Her Backyard, Northeast Side, Detroit 2014
Kristal is a victim of violent gun crimes. She lost a brother and a nephew within two months of each other, but her faith has not wavered. I find it inspiring that in the face of all this tragedy and pain Kristal is still a very positive person. She has a strong family support group but she is the family matriarch and the one who keeps it all together.
Billy's Front Door, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Billy is probably the poorest person I know but I couldn't help but notice this beautiful little decoration he placed on his door. I think it says a lot about overcoming adversity and living life happily.
Polka-Dot Garden, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Robert, an 85 year old retired interior decorator was afraid that an empty lot behind his house was going to be filled with trash so he began creating his imaginary "Polka Dot Garden" to protect the property. It's a place filled with fanciful sculpture and flowering plants that the neighborhood can enjoy.
Caprice with Her Nieces in the Polka Dot Garden, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Mike's Auto Shop, Chene Street, Detroit 2014
Mike, an Albanian Serb, has owned and operated this business for 35 years. Once a full service station with gas pumps and mechanic bays, he now barely hangs on selling and servicing used lawn mowers. Everyone left he said, but I'll be here until I die, and besides, where else am I going to go anyway?
Vern, Poletown, Eastside, Detroit 2014
April Braiding Kyla's Hair, Southwest Side, Detroit 2014
Kat in Her New House, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Kat just recently moved into this abandoned house just around the corner from her current residence which was filling up with people she takes in who are homeless or are in need of shelter. She's in the process of trying to purchase it in order to continue her ongoing mission to improve the neighborhood. I've known Kat now for three years and I've never met someone who is as devoted to others as she is.
Jerome, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Jerome was waiting for a friend, and then off to do some partying.
Two Rappers Making a Youtube Music Video and using the abandoned Packard Automotive Plant as a backdrop, Detroit 2014
Shawn's Living Room, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Shawn has been living in this abandoned house for the past five years without electricity or heat. He relies heavily on church donations and the Capuchin Brothers Soup Kitchen for meals.
Handmade Sign, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Evening Gathering, Goldengate Street, Detroit 2014
Volunteer Clean-Up Crew, Southwest Side, Detroit 2014
A group of volunteer's who either work for or are contract employees of General Motors clean up a stretch of Junction Avenue where children walk to go to school.
Jonathan Keeping Warm in the Pallet Yard Where He Works, Delray, Detroit 2014
A group of Men in a Makeshift Neighborhood Park, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Established for years, this abandoned piece of land is transformed into a local neighborhood park that serves as a community gathering spot for local residents. Apparently these guys were as interested in me as I was of them.
Casey, Goldengate Street, Detroit 2014
Casey is the newest member to join the Goldengate Street group. She migrated from Athens, Ohio with her dog after reading about the Fireweed Universe City - www.fireweeduniversecity.org
Monthly Meeting, Goldengate Street, Detroit 2014
A Group of residents from Goldengate Street meet in the "brick house" to discuss preparations for the upcoming winter.
Young Man Who Received a Free Suit, Westside, Detroit 2014
An annual free suit giveaway sponsored by the Covenant House Academy of Southwest Detroit. Hundreds of brand new suits were donated by local retailers for men who need a suit for job interviews, special occasions, or just looking sharp.
Decorations on a Tree Branch, Southwest Side, Detroit 2014
Church Signage, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Mohammad, Couch Surfer from England, Goldengate Street, Detroit 2014
Painted Wall Mural in the Fireweed Universe-City Community Room, Eastside, Detroit 2014
Glen with Another One of His Custom Built Bicycles, Eastside, Detroit 2014
April and Kyla 1, Detroit 2014_6584269.jpg
