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Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject
To See more of the project:
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #PinkTigerProject #picoftheweek
Instagram: www.instagram.com/pinktigerproject/
Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject #picoftheweek
To See More of the Project:
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness.
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #PinkTigerProject #picoftheweek
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject #picoftheweek
Alanna is a woman with grit to her core. She's the strong, silent type with a snarky humor and has one of the most warm and infectious smiles I've ever seen.
She observed, "When I first became homeless, a lot of times, you don't even know where to find help. Even social services aren't really forthcoming with stuff. You don't know there's a system."
Alanna has been homeless for a staggering 13 years. She became homeless when she was fired from her job of 20 years in medical billing. She was deemed un-hirable because of gender and age discrimination. And too skillful for other positions she applied for.
Through no fault of her own, it was 11 years before she was referred to a long-term residential shelter for women. Though she applied for social services and explained her situation, social workers weren't forthcoming that there were shelters and resources for homeless people. With no other option, Alanna survived living as a middle-aged woman with severe health issues in her van.
She had to survive life threatening medical conditions to be connected to the resources she deserved. In 2022 while still living in her vehicle. She became severely sick with double pneumonia. Her doctor's didn't think she was going to make it. She was on life support for 5 days and in the ICU for two weeks following.
Through the traumatic ordeal Alanna had no idea that permanent support was on the way. After a lengthy stay in a nursing facility she recovered enough to finally be referred to a women's shelter.
She now awaits a housing voucher while staying at the shelter and financially survives on state disability payments. Her current circumstances were once unimaginable to her: "Like I said I never thought it would be me. I had a house and I had a job. I drove a nice car, had nice clothes, went where I wanted".
Despite being mentally sound and not being addicted to substances, she has even seen her own family distance themselves. Put in her own words, "as if homelessness is contagious".
I’ve never heard Alanna complain about her circumstances. She is a self composed survivor to the point of being a warrior. She lives and treats those around her from a place of kindness, her greatest strength. She's also an eternal-animal lover and likes to feed the local squirrels that come to the shelter's backyard. Alanna can recognize each one by their markings and has named the regulars which include Eddie, Baby Girl & Vitto.
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject #picoftheweek
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See more of the project:
Showcasing the strength and beauty of homeless women. #pinktigerproject
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See more of the project:
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject www.instagram.com/pinktigerproject/
#picoftheweek
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
Alanna is a woman with grit to her core. She's the strong, silent type with a snarky humor and has one of the most warm and infectious smiles I've ever seen.
Alanna has been homeless for 13 years. A journey that started when her job as a skilled worker in medical billing was downsized. Because of her age and gender, Alanna could not find work again. She went from a very comfortable and well-earned livelihood to living in her van.
She says, "When I first became homeless, a lot of times, you don't even know where to find help. Even social services aren't really forthcoming with stuff. You don't know there's a system."
Through no fault of her own, it was 11 years before she was referred to a long-term residential shelter for women. Though she applied for social services and explained her situation, social workers weren't forthcoming that there were shelters and resources for homeless people. So, Alanna survived living as a middle-aged woman with severe health issues in her van. She had to survive life threatening medical conditions to be connected to the resources she deserved.
In 2022 while still living in her van, Alanna became severely sick with double pneumonia. Her doctor's didn't think she was going to make it. She was on life support for 5 days and in the ICU for two weeks. Through this entire ordeal Alanna had no idea that permanent support was on the way. After a lengthy stay in a nursing facility she recovered enough to finally be referred to a women's shelter. Alanna has survived three life threatening medical emergencies in total, from contracting double pneumonia to two postoperative sepsis infections. Since the 1990's she has had 5 back surgeries to repair slipped discs and she needs a 6th in her neck soon. She's waiting for a housing voucher before having her sixth surgery because of the difficulty of recovering in a shelter setting where personal space is limited and there are strict rules about productivity.
She now survives on state disability payments. But her current circumstances were once unimaginable to her: "Like I said I never thought it would be me. I had a house and I had a job. I drove a nice car, had nice clothes, went where I wanted". Despite being mentally sound and not being addicted to substances, she has even seen her own family distance themselves. Put in her own words, "as if homelessness is contagious".
I have never heard Alanna complain despite her circumstances. It was an honor to learn her homelessness story for this project. Alanna is a self composed survivor to the point of being a warrior in my opinion. She lives and treats those around her from a place of kindness. She's also an eternal-animal lover. She feeds the local squirrels that come to the shelter's backyard.
She can recognize each one by their markings and has named the regulars which include Eddie, Baby Girl & Vitto.
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More Portraits:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More Portraits:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject #picoftheweek
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @pinktigerproject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
To See More:
Instagram: @PinkTigerProject
Showcasing the strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject #picoftheweek
Alanna is a woman with grit to her core. She's the strong, silent type with a snarky humor and has one of the most warm and infectious smiles I've ever seen.
Alanna has been homeless for 13 years. A journey that started when her job as a skilled worker in medical billing was downsized. Because of her age and gender, Alanna could not find work again. She went from a very comfortable and well-earned livelihood to living in her van.
She says, "When I first became homeless, a lot of times, you don't even know where to find help. Even social services aren't really forthcoming with stuff. You don't know there's a system."
Through no fault of her own, it was 11 years before she was referred to a long-term residential shelter for women. Though she applied for social services and explained her situation, social workers weren't forthcoming that there were shelters and resources for homeless people. So, Alanna survived living as a middle-aged woman with severe health issues in her van. She had to survive life threatening medical conditions to be connected to the resources she deserved.
In 2022 while still living in her van, Alanna became severely sick with double pneumonia. Her doctor's didn't think she was going to make it. She was on life support for 5 days and in the ICU for two weeks. Through this entire ordeal Alanna had no idea that permanent support was on the way. After a lengthy stay in a nursing facility she recovered enough to finally be referred to a women's shelter. Alanna has survived three life threatening medical emergencies in total, from contracting double pneumonia to two postoperative sepsis infections. Since the 1990's she has had 5 back surgeries to repair slipped discs and she needs a 6th in her neck soon. She's waiting for a housing voucher before having her sixth surgery because of the difficulty of recovering in a shelter setting where personal space is limited and there are strict rules about productivity.
She now survives on state disability payments. But her current circumstances were once unimaginable to her: "Like I said I never thought it would be me. I had a house and I had a job. I drove a nice car, had nice clothes, went where I wanted". Despite being mentally sound and not being addicted to substances, she has even seen her own family distance themselves. Put in her own words, "as if homelessness is contagious".
I have never heard Alanna complain despite her circumstances. It was an honor to learn her homelessness story for this project. Alanna is a self composed survivor to the point of being a warrior in my opinion. She lives and treats those around her from a place of kindness. She's also an eternal-animal lover. She feeds the local squirrels that come to the shelter's backyard.
She can recognize each one by their markings and has named the regulars which include Eddie, Baby Girl & Vitto.
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
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Showcasing the irrepresible strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
I respect Margit deeply. An enduring optimist, she embodies the philosophies of “if you go with the flow all you need comes to you” and “don’t sweat the small stuff”. Her life and struggle with mental illness has been complex. A life which may have hardened others, refined Margit into the brave and loving woman she is.
She was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her 30’s. Medication quickly stabilized her and kept episodes away for decades. Then in a profound twist of fate her husband was also diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He was highly symptomatic and impossible to reason with. In an effort to protect her daughter from a home of strife & arguing, Margit made the “world ending” decision to divorce her husband. Over time she began to drink to deal with her stress. Lead by her mental illness she also quit her job, not being able to give anyone an explanation for her decision. She began having severe hallucinations in her late 50’s and couldn’t recognize the loving family members’ she’d lived with since quitting her job. This led to a specialty mental health team, called the CAT Team, assessing her. She was hospitalized for a week and a half and put on new medications. She was successfully stabilized for a second time in her life after going through the trauma of hallucinations.
But at this point, the stress was too profound for her to return home. Margit’s mother cared full-time for her husband ailing from Alzheimer’s. This led to Margit’s homelessness and her journey from the CAT team assessment, to the hospital, to an organization called Tree House. Margit was then referred by a case worker to a residential women’s shelter in Orange County. She’s been waiting two years for a housing voucher (likely to a care-home) with her classic patience. Currently, she struggles with becoming disoriented in public and at home. And yet, Margit is one of the funniest & kindest people. She makes my life better with every interaction we have. She’s a true original and one of the slickest dry humorists I know. Her spirit lights up the shelter.
She has an enduring resilience and inner-stillness taught to her by the challenges of her life. She’s a Survivor and Joy-Giver.
Thank you for your support on Flickr! We appreciate you. To See More:
Instagram: @pinktigerproject
Showcasing the irrepresible strength and beauty of women living in homelessness. #pinktigerproject
Alanna is a woman with grit to her core. She's the strong, silent type with a snarky humor and has one of the most warm and infectious smiles I've ever seen.
Alanna has been homeless for 13 years. A journey that started when her job as a skilled worker in medical billing was downsized. Because of her age and gender, Alanna could not find work again. She went from a very comfortable and well-earned livelihood to living in her van.
She says, "When I first became homeless, a lot of times, you don't even know where to find help. Even social services aren't really forthcoming with stuff. You don't know there's a system."
Through no fault of her own, it was 11 years before she was referred to a long-term residential shelter for women. Though she applied for social services and explained her situation, social workers weren't forthcoming that there were shelters and resources for homeless people. So, Alanna survived living as a middle-aged woman with severe health issues in her van. She had to survive life threatening medical conditions to be connected to the resources she deserved.
In 2022 while still living in her van, Alanna became severely sick with double pneumonia. Her doctor's didn't think she was going to make it. She was on life support for 5 days and in the ICU for two weeks. Through this entire ordeal Alanna had no idea that permanent support was on the way. After a lengthy stay in a nursing facility she recovered enough to finally be referred to a women's shelter. Alanna has survived three life threatening medical emergencies in total, from contracting double pneumonia to two postoperative sepsis infections. Since the 1990's she has had 5 back surgeries to repair slipped discs and she needs a 6th in her neck soon. She's waiting for a housing voucher before having her sixth surgery because of the difficulty of recovering in a shelter setting where personal space is limited and there are strict rules about productivity.
She now survives on state disability payments. But her current circumstances were once unimaginable to her: "Like I said I never thought it would be me. I had a house and I had a job. I drove a nice car, had nice clothes, went where I wanted". Despite being mentally sound and not being addicted to substances, she has even seen her own family distance themselves. Put in her own words, "as if homelessness is contagious".
I have never heard Alanna complain despite her circumstances. It was an honor to learn her homelessness story for this project. Alanna is a self composed survivor to the point of being a warrior in my opinion. She lives and treats those around her from a place of kindness. She's also an eternal-animal lover. She feeds the local squirrels that come to the shelter's backyard.
She can recognize each one by their markings and has named the regulars which include Eddie, Baby Girl & Vitto.
Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject
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Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject
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Thank you for your support on Flickr. You can also find us on Instgram:
Lindsi is one of the most compassionate and non-judmental women I know. She works with developmentally challenged children and helps them navigate a school system that isn't uniquely designed for them. Similarly, Lindsi is making her own way through the complicated shelter and re-homing system. Simply within the past year and a half she has navigated through a new Bipolar Syndrome diagnosis, finding a new career, and dutifully managing and recovering from a substance abuse issue. She's one of the most remarkable people I know. And this is only the beginning for her! #pinktigerproject
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Thank you for your support on Flickr. You can also find us on Instgram: