NEWSIE — A formerly homeless woman invites passers-by to purchase copies of the Cleveland Street Chronicle near Public Square in downtown Cleveland on May 23, 2012. Dolores Manley said she has been selling the street newspaper, which helps to support the homeless and formerly homeless, for more than 11 years. Licensed vendors like Manley purchase the paper for 35 cents and sell it for $1.25. The vendors keep the profit from each sale. Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
THORNS — A homeless man named Paul sells his hand-drawn artwork on E. 4th Street in downtown Cleveland on April 22, 2012. Paul said his deep faith in Jesus Christ keeps his spirits high. “It could be a lot worse,” Paul said of being homeless, “but it could be a lot better.” Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
MULTIPLES — A composite photo of Stephanie, who suffers from multiple personality disorder, in downtown Cleveland on April 22, 2012. Stephanie, 23, arrived in Cleveland a day earlier by way of South Carolina. She has been homeless for three years. “Having multiple personalities condenses your life,” Stephanie said. “Because I have to share my time with other personalities, I’ll only get to live about seven years as me.” Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
BEATS — Drifter and vocal percussionist Ottis Clark (left) beatboxes while City Mission resident Arron Griggs dances at Public Square in downtown Cleveland on April 18, 2012. Clark, who stopped in Cleveland during his cross-country trip from Oregon to Vermont, performed his brand of Haitian-Creole beats for passers-by. “They love it in American when you are homeless and become famous,” Clark said. “I can’t complain about that.” Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
COOKIE — A homeless woman who goes by the name “Cookie” walks from the Bishop Cosgrove Center in downtown Cleveland on April 13, 2012. Cookie said she went to the center, which is operated by Cleveland Catholic Charities, to receive a free meal. “It’s a blessing for people who can’t afford a living and don’t have family,” Cookie said. She stays most nights at the Norma Herr women’s shelter on Payne Avenue. Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
CHANGE — One of 12 Downtown Cleveland Alliance “Change Where it Counts” donation meters on April 10, 2012. The converted parking meters are used to collect change from pedestrians in downtown Cleveland that is used to help the city’s homeless. More than $2,000 has been collected since the meters were installed in 2008 as part of DCA’s “GeneroCity Cleveland” campaign. Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
PANHANDLE — A man takes a break from panhandling to pose for a photo at the corner of Ontario Street and South Roadway in downtown Cleveland on April 4, 2012. The man refused to give his name without payment. Downtown Cleveland Alliance Director of Operations and Advocacy Mark Lammon says that many panhandlers in downtown Cleveland are not homeless and make their living by asking others for money. For those who wish to help the homeless in Cleveland, Lammon suggests donating money and goods to known organizations instead of giving at the street level. Photo by Brandon Blackwell @CapturedCLE
