Winter’s struggle

By Lu Zhao

For most Chicagoans keeping warm outside in the winter is not that hard: you just need parkas, gloves, boots and the chance to retreat to a warm home or car. But for the estimated 5,450 people who are homeless and living outdoors in Chicago, the situation is different and difficult. Many of them are outside 24 hours a day – panhandling on the street and sleeping outside. Many say they have nowhere to go; to fight against the cold, “layering and layering up” is their only defense. This video depicts the daily struggle of some of Chicago’s homeless citizens to keep warm and survive the winter.