Panhandlers are a common sight in downtown Chicago, particularly in the financial district. In the heart of the city’s thriving economic center, these individuals struggle for the basics: food, shelter, work. Many say they turned to panhandling after health or family problems, or following the loss of a job.
[Some photo subjects declined to give their full names.]

Anthony Lindsey, 58, panhandles on Jackson Boulevard on November 9. Having been in and out of jail, he found himself homeless, jobless and unable to find work, in part because he never finished high school. “I’ve been in a rough environment all my life.” he said. “I just didn’t get a chance to, you know, finish school and do things that people with an education do, which is working.” He rides CTA trains and crashes on friends’ couches at night.

Don Ricks injured himself working as a janitor three years ago and has been living on the streets ever since. He panhandles downtown during the day and rides CTA trains at night because he fears going into a shelter. “I’m here all the time,” he says. “When it’s nice out, it’s alright,” he said. “When it gets cold, it’s hard.”

Rodney Carter, 50, laughs as he shares a cigarette with a passerby outside a 7-Eleven on Lake Street, where he usually sits during the day. He worked in construction for 23 years, but has been out of work ever since he hurt both knees on a job about a year ago. A highlight of his day is crossing paths with a woman heading to work nearby, who is always friendly to him. “She’s a good friend, it’s always good to see her,” he said.

Marcus Carter, 50, sits on the corner of Jackson Boulevard and Franklin Street. He has been jobless for eight years. “Some of these rich people, they come sit down and talk to you,” he said. “It makes you feel wanted, it makes you feel loved. Especially during the holidays when you actually think no one cares about you, ’cause you’re out here by yourself all day, every day, all night.”
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