Person First Project is a photo blog that seeks to give those currently or formerly experiencing homelessness in D.C. the chance to share their stories. In doing this, we hope to reduce the barriers that separate people in D.C. and spark a dialogue. The Person First Project aims to connect us – and to make us all feel a bit more human.

“Everybody acts differently when they see someone homeless on the street. Some people shy away because they’re afraid of you, and some people come right up to you like they’re your best friend. But it gets lonely. Sometimes I don’t really want money, or food, or clothes – I just want somebody to hear what I have to say. For example, this lady Rachel stops by every Monday through Friday to sit and talk to me for a few minutes – and it makes my day. You just have to take the positive with the negative.”

– Irving at Union Station