Nick

“I am starting to be able to build my life back up.”

You might recognize Nick as a finalist from last year’s MyNew Orleans Photo Contest.  We are happy to report that now, thanks to help from the HTC case management team, Nick has been housed! Nick has conquered many hardships, and is on his way to rebuilding his life.

Nick is originally from California, and used to travel the country as the caretaker of horses at the racetracks. Unfortunately, during one such show in New Orleans, Nick had all of his belongings stolen, including his only form of identification. He suffered some health problems not long after, and wound up on the streets with no way to work, no identification, and no access to his accounts. He was on the streets for nearly three years. After being placed in a Permanent Supportive Housing Program in August, he says that it sometimes still doesn’t feel real when he wakes up in the morning to realize that he has a place to live and things that truly belong to him.

In 2017, Nick was one of the finalists featured in the MyNew Orleans Photo Project, and had his picture printed in the calendar they came out with. Nick was once again a finalist the following year and had his winning picture featured both in the 2018 MyNew Orleans Photo Project Calendar and at a special exhibit and reception at the New Orleans Downtown Library. Being picked as a finalist for two years running has lifted Nick’s spirits during difficult times, filling him with pride in his skills as photographer.

Nick is looking forward to the start of racing season this fall and, since he now has the proper documentation, is ready and willing to start working at the racetrack again. Nick considers the horses that he works with “his precious children,” and is very excited to be able to care for them again.

“The Rebuild Center and the Harry Tompson Center gave me a place to rest and get everything together again…I am starting to be able to build my life back up.”