Martha Gibson, 66, grew up in foster care group homes in East LA before having her first child at 14. She and her husband left the gang life at age 18, heading north. Of her 13 children, seven are still living. She doesn't want to be told what to do, so isn't living with any of them, deciding to tough it out on the streets instead.
Read MoreDerek Kleeman, 21, left the bickering of a home life to fend for himself on the streets. He hates violence and quotes Bible verses about humility. He keeps a lizard in his tent for company.
Read MoreThe odds were stacked against Cristo. His parents left him to be raised by a grandmother. He worked odd jobs in TJ and San Diego, and has been beaten badly on the street, but still feels he is a walking miracle.
Read MorePhyllis worked as a dental hygienist till she was laid off 9 years ago. She fled an abusive relationship and has been on the street ever since. She worries she is at the breaking point of going insane.
Read MoreOnce an x-ray technician working for Scripps La Jolla, Bruce fell into a depression when his kids drifted away from him. He knows this is temporary, but struggles with the system of being on lists for housing and having his cell phones stolen all the time.
Read More
