The author of this text, Damon Winter, is an award winning photographer that works for the New York Times. He is most well known for his run with Obama during his campaign for Presidency along with his photo essay on sexual abuse victims in western Alaska. His is shown to not only capture an image, but a true story and meaning behind his images which does not come short in this entry of "What Home Means When You Are Homeless". This text is showing the things that people classified as "homeless" value and can call home. These people come from a homeless encampment on the outskirts of Ithaca, New York, known as "The Jungle". The homeless have already lost so much so these items captured by Winter are cherished and things they feel they can't live without. Some items are very simple. Like the blue ball that Ozy has kept for 20 years because it reminds him of his dog, Shandi. Some of these objects are very intricate but hold just as much value. Like the mask that was worn to protect this mans wife who is diabetic. The idea behind knowing you are protecting someone you love is reassurance to the idea of love and devotion to that person.A lot of this text can be a reality check to any person with basic housing that has lights and running water. William talks about his light up penguin keychain that he uses to find his lock in the dark. Christine mentions running water being one of the most important things in her life yet it was a decent ways for her to shower and even then it was an outside solar shower. She reminds the audience that water should not be taken for granted and how most people don't realize the appreciation it deserves. The many speakers within this text portray the different ideas behind such a broad question with so many answers that are solely opinion based. The author tells us about things he has kept for years but does not show the same appreciation that some of the speakers display for their objects. This text brings in anyone who has a curious ear as to how the homeless view their joy or homes but can easily keep out anyone who has the radical idea that they could "easily make their lives better". The true meaning behind this text is represented by birds living in a shopping cart in a cold part of the city. The author is quick to judge their living quarters but then realizes the misconceptions of assuming a home is a place. Everyone's home is different and someone's home does not have to be a place. These objects exhibit the vast options of different things that make them feel at home and no one can take that feeling away from them.
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