Homeless, Not Invisible

Homeless, Not Invisible by Sharon Rodriguez, published by EMP in 2017, is a 64-page exploration of homelessness in affluent American suburbs, specifically focusing on Olathe, Kansas. Through a combination of photography and interviews, Rodriguez highlights the stories of displaced individuals, shedding light on their experiences in a community often overlooked. This work reflects her ongoing artistic interest in marginalized communities and serves as a culmination of a two-year project that has been part of the “Bear Witness” series at the Johnson County Library.

Readers will find a compelling presentation of personal narratives alongside striking imagery that captures the realities of poverty and homelessness. The book includes hand-written essays by Rodriguez, recounting the stories of her subjects and emphasizing the importance of art as a form of activism. By addressing social issues through the lens of photography and sociology, this edition invites reflection on the complexities of homelessness in the Midwest and the broader United States.