Cesar Rodriguez is a 37-year-old Cuban-American from Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood who transformed his life after experiencing over two decades of housing instability. Cesar secured permanent housing in February 2024 with support from New Hope outreach services, returning to the very neighborhood where he grew up. Now stably housed, he has reconnected with his seven siblings and is pursuing his educational goals with plans to attend Miami-Dade College with a particular interest in art. A resilient individual who finds peace in music and takes pride in maintaining his home and building positive relationships with his neighbors, Cesar shares his journey through this PhotoVoice project not just as someone who experienced homelessness, but as a community member and aspiring student.
Photo Gallery
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A Pillow is a Privilege
Remembering the past: Miami is a hard spot to find a place to sleep. You have to worry about your safety, stay out of the weather, and now be worried about going to jail. When you find a spot it’s never secure. I always tried to take care of my space so I could hold… (Read more)
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Keep It Real, Don’t Sugar Coat It
Navigating the present: I used to sleep here and hang out here. Not too many places you can go without the police or other people harassing you. Back then it was worse – across the street was a trap house. They tried to keep the place clean, but not like the way it is now.… (Read more)
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Life’s Lessons
Picturing the future: The center of the photo is a new building project – the present. The building on the left is the past – a historic building that was the first Black school in Miami– a lot they are preserving. The buildings in the background are the future. You have to start from the… (Read more)