A House Divided Can Not Stand

Since 2007, I have captured images of the most vulnerable among us, our nation’s homeless population. Not since last century’s Great Depression has there been so many of our citizens in a struggle simply to survive. This transcends homelessness and speaks to the inequality in wages here in the United States. John Kennedy spoke to our nation in 1963 and remarked, ” If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich “.  President Kennedy would surely be alarmed at the present day state of affairs.

The current gap between America’s rich and poor is the widest in history and is certainly one factor in our slow economic recovery. In fact, President Obama spoke out in December 2013, calling income inequality a bigger threat to the United States economy than the federal budget deficit, which has been shrinking. Decrying a “deficit of opportunity,” the President called for an increase in the minimum wage, more investment in education, and a stronger social safety net. Yet this continues to fall on deaf ears, sending additional numbers to the streets and further increasing those that are forced to live below the poverty line. I see this first hand as I photograph, chronicle and share conversations with those that have fallen victim to this cold and alarming reality. The ranks of the poor are swelling.

So while those in Washington continue to bicker, I am reminded of the words Patrick Henry declaimed two centuries ago, ” Let us trust God, and our better judgment to set us right hereafter. United we stand, divided we fall “.

Written by Jon Linton

I HAVE A NAME | Giving Voice to the Silenced. A homeless project born out of a need to inspire change,bring awareness & deliver hope where hope runs thin. For more info go to https://www.facebook.com/THEIHAVEANAMEPROJECT.