The Ave
Youths congregated on the sidewalks of University Way NE, or The Ave., in Seattle, Washington, USA during the height of the economic crisis in 2009. There was a juxtaposition of character between the youths and passersby. The young folks were often upbeat and laughing, enjoying camaraderie and community. Their spirits were youthful, of exploration and often optimism and resolution, despite the daunting odds of living with minimal resources. There was a freedom inherent in their minimalist predilections.
When revisiting this project in 2024 I found that the youthful community had all but disappeared. Many forces contributed to this change, from urban development, more housing resources, decentralization of social services, and the bane of opioids.
Long-time resident Mama G recalls the youth that congregated on The Ave of Seattle, Washington, USA, on July 23, 2024.
The Ave in Seattle, Washington, USA on February 10, 2024.
Nicodemus (L), Carnage (C), and Cat (also known as Grandma) (R) attempt to stay out of the rain and cold on a Saturday morning on The Ave in Seattle, Washington, March 28, 2009.
Cat, 19, (also known as Grandma) plays with a pet rat on a rainy Saturday morning on The Ave in Seattle, Washington on March 28, 2009.
Cat, 19, (also known as Grandma) spends a rainy Saturday morning on The Ave. in Seattle, Washington, USA. March 28, 2009.
Questioning about drug habits leads to an arrest on the west side of The Ave in Seattle, Washington, USA in 2009.
Police cordon off a crime scene where a youth was shot in the face during an altercation off University Way NE, or the Ave., in Seattle, Washington, USA on April 17th, 2009.
Heather pauses on a corner of University Way NE, or the Ave., in Seattle, Washington, USA on April 18, 2009.
The day following a shooting near University Way NE, or The Ave, Seattle police continue to examine the route where the shooter apparently fled, Seattle, Washington, USA, April 18th, 2009.
Ben jumps around on a sunny afternoon on University Way NE, or The Ave, in Seattle, Washington, USA on March 29, 2009.
Tensions rise outside Earl's on the Ave on University Way NE in Seattle, WA on April 29th, 2009.
David Johnson (center) and other youth on University Way NE, or the Ave, in Seattle, Washington, USA on May 2nd, 2009.
Longtime resident and artist Kittie Holmes on The Ave in Seattle, Washington, USA on August 17, 2024.
Willow hangs out on The Ave in Seattle, Washington, USA on July 23, 2024.
The location of the former University Temple United Methodist Church, which housed social service organizations, in Seattle, Washington, USA, on August 17, 2024.
Cover of The Seattle Times sunday magazine in 2024.