Squatters’ Rights

This series of photographs is about the unpermitted occupation of property. In the state of Georgia, if a squatter has occupied a neglected property for seven or more years they have the legal right to claim ownership of the property. This series depicts a young man who is in the process of occupying a neglected property. He is doing what he can to get by and is clinging to whatever little hope he has for a better life. The space that he occupies has little to none of his personal items as he needs to be able to leave the property at a moment’s notice if the owner of the property should appear. The lack of secure housing for this individual has severely limited his options of employment which is further propelling his need for squatting in this property.