Homelessness is a complicated issue, mostly caused by a lack of affordable housing, stagnating income, and poverty. There’s a human side of homelessness that goes beyond food and money, though. The untold stories of the folks living without permanent shelter include the feeling of not being seen as people by others.
“I say a lot of people have their idea or view on homeless people, and to be honest, a lot of homeless people are out here on the streets are really good, loving, kindhearted people, talented, and got mad skills,” said LaTonya Turner, 35.
Turner was raised on the south side of Stockton by a loving family, but tragedy struck when her father, her strongest supporter and rock, died. Family issues, including a lack of help when she was injured, forced her to live on the streets.
“For the most part, it’s a lot of people that don’t have support,” said Turner, talking about why most of these people are out here. “Its like a community and we help them look out for each other, to do our best just to stay safe and provide or help one another out. There is a lot of resources, but sometimes not everybody’s intentions is right, and it’s kind of difficult.”
While there are some people out there who are willing to help, people occasionally lose sight of the fundamental aim.
“You need to look at your own community, and how you can help your community first,” said Nate Lime.
A homeless man walking the streets, upset, on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A group of homeless people walking the streets of S Lincoln St, Stockton, California, outside of St. Mary’s Dining Hall. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
The view of W Church St, Stockton, California, where a group of homeless people set up their campsite. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
33-year-old Serena Keo outside her tent writing in her journal to pass the time at the campsite on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless woman crossing the street with all her belongings on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless person’s companion lying next to their tent at the campsite on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A women laying down on the couch next to 66-year-old Bruce Smith at their campsite on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYKCIE HEREDIA 
66-year-old Bruce Smith relaxing on his chair in the sun with his friends in their campsite on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless man walking the streets with a wheelchair in his hands on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A group of homeless people walking the streets and sitting on the sidewalk of S Lincoln St, Stockton, California, outside of St. Mary’s Dining Hall. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
Marquita N. Bryant, otherwise known as “Dimond”, and “Wolfman” on the side of S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
The view of W Church St, Stockton, California, where a group of homeless people set up their campsite. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A tent set up for shelter on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A tent set up for shelter on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless man walking his dog in the middle of the street on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
Marquita N. Bryant, otherwise known as “Dimond”, and “Wolfman” on the side of S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
Two men sitting by a bike on W Church St, Stockton, California, where a group of homeless people set up their campsite. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A man walking through the campgrounds on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
The shelter of Marquita N. Bryant, otherwise known as “Dimond,” set up on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless man relaxing in his campsite on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A devoted dog waiting for its owner to return from the inside of St. Mary’s dining hall on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A homeless man riding his bike through the streets on W Church St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA 
A tent set up for shelter on S Lincoln St, Stockton, California. PHOTO BY RYCKIE HEREDIA
Lime, one of three people out on a hot day recently handing out care packages to the houseless and sitting with them talking. The other two people were Nate’s father, Mike Lime, and his friend Daniel Raya.
It was not the Limes’ first time out, as Raya’s. The Limes have had a long-standing family tradition of serving others since Nate was a child, said Mike Lime.
They usually go out first thing on Christmas morning.
“Rain or shine, 8 o’clock,” and many other times throughout the year to try to bring more people, such as church members, but Mike had mentioned going out to help the homeless for a weekend and giving back to the community, and Raya wanted to join.
Raya said he wanted to give back to the community.
He said it was incredibly eye-opening, noting that it was a facet of life that you don’t see on a daily basis or on the way to work. Raya said he had the chance to attend college and was assisted by his parents to have a good childhood; but said that, out here, you see how others do not have the same options. He expressed gratitude for what he has, but he wished he could do much more to give back.
Mike Lime said he comes out here not simply to give them food, but also to talk to them, listen to what they have to say, and treat them like beings and individuals, which many others do not.
“I was asking what they needed, what we could do; his response was, ‘To see me, see me as an individual,’” said Mike Lime.
Despite everything, 42-year-old Harold Gaines, who has lived on the street for quite some time, strives to retain a good outlook with his pals on the street and tells everyone he knows.
“Don’t ever give up, keep striving,” said Gaines.
