When watching the documentary that showcased the lives of a community (family) compiled of homeless people in Santa Monica during 1994 it was hard to not be emotionally effected. The effort that this community put into the upkeep of their living space (such as sweeping rugs, making beds, and maintaining cooking supplies), newly formed familial bonds, and livelihood (can collecting and dumpster diving) was impressive. I would never have the resilience to be hassled by my inner demons as well as outer entities such as police and the societal structure that enabled me to live a suppressed life.

One example of impressive resilience and strength that stands out is, the army veteran who collected cans for 15-18 hours daily in order to make less than $40 change. He had all sorts of problems with his feet including, but not limited to, ingrown toenails and terribly painful callus. These problems should and could have left him incapable of maintaining his daily chores in order to survive. But when push comes to shove and you are faced with a choice of life or death- those who want to survive will aim to thrive in whatever ways they can.

How do these people maintain the courage to handle or bare the multiple struggles that present them daily? Where do they gather their strength, motivation and faith to keep going in a world where they do not belong? The most unsettling portions of the documentary were statements taken from (non-homeless) Santa Monica residents and tourist about homeless people. Statements about the process of evolution, and how the homeless were stunted in this process therefore should not be allowed to live their gift of life, was astonishing. The general air of the civilians towards the homeless was unfortunate. There was a lot of degradation of the human spirit and mind, calling homeless “unsightly burdens”.

The moment when the “family head” started breaking down in tears was a huge moment to understand and empathize through. Imagine; everything you have built and tried so hard to protect and maintain being stripped from you because in the eyes of society you have no right to anything you lay claim to. Not your belongs, your family, or yourself.

You just have tears worth noting.