LUIS

prized possession : green card

 

Stuck in a rut, but holding onto hope, Luis requests to speak in Spanish, his mother tongue. “It’s okay I am around mostly Mexican people here anyway.” He is attending an outdoor, bilingual Sunday church service aimed at the local homeless population. The sermon is fierce, the pastor full of emotion, and the crowd of around 30 or so faces are urged to empower themselves, and turn away from the devil. It is powerful. “This is good. The people out here need this,” he expresses in gratitude. Clear, warm, and honest, Luis admits it is difficult being homeless. “I want to get out of Denver. I want to go to Seattle where I was before. I know people. I like it more there.” At the moment, he lacks the funds to get there, but prides himself on his strong work ethic.“I am happy to work. I work whenever I can. It’s hard to find it regularly however.”

 

Most Prized Possession: Luis’ voice fills with excitement as he displays his Green Card, which enables him to work legally in the United States. He received it two years ago. “I’m homeless,” he states, “but I have this. It’s so good.”