Story and photo essay by Adrianna Owens
Matt, a homeless man, stands near a shopping center in Reno, trying to get money to afford another night in his motel. Before wiping his eyes, he mentions that he has allergies, and this time of year is hard for him to be on the streets.
Revitalization has been subject to much debate lately, and with talk of renovation in Reno comes talk of homelessness. As discussion rises, people have wondered where the homeless citizens of Reno will go when revitalization takes over.
Matt, a recently homeless man, stands every morning at a shopping center intersection with a sign that reads, “Happy but homeless. God bless.”
“We come out every day to get enough for another night in our room,” he said.
Matt used to stay at the Reno Community Resource Center until they stopped allowing Buggs, his dog, to stay with him. “He comes where I go,” he said.
Buggs, Matt’s faithful companion, has been traveling with him for five years. Just a few days before being photographed, Buggs was bitten by a pitbull, but this didn’t stop him from going on long walks with his owners.
Matt, his girlfriend Tracy (not pictured), and Buggs stick together through tough winters and harsh winds. Though they would much rather stay in their motel room, Matt said that they have to get out of bed every morning so they can climb into bed at night. “We’re just trying to make it,” Matt said.