Last fall I had the opportunity to be part of a documentary workshop sponsored by the University of Iowa School of Journalism and Mass Communications.

Through the Changing Heartland workshop I spent time building relationships with Iowa City’s unhoused population, documenting the resilience of humanity despite incredible adversity.

I continued the project into the winter, listening, learning and spending time in various encampments on Iowa City’s southside.

As winter weather brings colder days to Iowa City, individuals living outside can be put at risk. Iowa City’s homeless population must navigate a set of difficulties which includes food insecurity, exposure to the elements and often personal traumas and or addiction. Despite the hardship, individuals have become increasingly resourceful and have built community-like networks as well as intricate encampments.

Special thanks to Kilo, Ashley and Stykx and all who allowed me into their lives.

Gallery • 32 Photos

Jordan Barry

Viktor prepares to toss a bowling ball near his camp around dusk on Monday, Sept. 25, 2023. Viktor is one of several individuals who live sporadically in unhoused encampments on Iowa City’s southside. “You have to know someone’s language to speak to them,” Viktor said. As fall and winter weather brings colder days to Iowa City, individuals living outside can be put at risk. Iowa City’s homeless population must navigate a set of difficulties which includes food insecurity, exposure to the elements and often personal traumas and or addiction. Despite the hardship, individuals have become increasingly resourceful and have built community-like networks as well as intricate encampments.