In 2011, I photographed the homeless camps in and around Baltimore, Maryland. As development encroached on whatever woods were left in the greater metropolitan area, I found myself practically stepping into a number of carefully hidden encampments located along highways or behind convenience stores. Railroad tracks were always a good bet. In this world, I witnessed not only the effort that went into remaining hidden in plain sight but also the creativity involved - no two camps were alike. All of the camps spoke to the yearning and failed hopes of their residents. Addiction was rampant. Many said that staying in a city run shelter was out of the question. More than one told me that they had been beaten or robbed in the shelters. Living in a tent was a personal choice - yet it seemed to me that there was no other choice.
By the end of 2011, none of the camps I’d photographed remained.
