Ramone Williams, a senior at Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, drives to a nearby 24-hour bakery. Ramone has been homeless for two semesters despite working two part-time jobs. He attends school full-time as a media, communications, and theater arts major, but because he receives no financial aid, most of his income goes toward tuition and fees. He survives by living "a minimalist life," as he says, sleeping wherever he can, most often the 24-hour computer lab at the school library or in the back of his minivan. For Bridge Magazine
Ramone stops at his minivan to pick up the clothing and personal items he'll need for the following day.
Ramone stores almost everything in the minivan, and it all has its place.
One of Ramone's part-time jobs is with SEEUS, a nighttime public safety escort service for people walking alone on campus. “My worry isn’t where I’m going to be at night," he said. "My worry is how am I going to complete what I need to do?”
At Dom's Bakeries in Ypsilanti, Ramone has a cup of tea and a donut. To save money, he always asks for a cup of hot water so he can use his own tea bag.
Ramone studies at the 24-hour computer lab.
Ramone often sleeps at the 24-hour computer lab.
Ramone sings "Sarah Brown Eyes" from "Ragtime" during his vocal performance class.
The electrical system in Ramone's minivan was acting up, so he took it into Sears Auto Center. Keeping the minivan running is crucial, especially as winter approaches. On cold nights, he'll keep the car running for a few minutes at a time so he can warm up a bit. Then he has to turn it off again to save gas.
Parking spots near campus, especially the free and lower cost ones, are hard to find. So when Ramone finds the right one, he'll park there as long as he can. Which means he has to walk most places.
Ramone takes a bow with his Shakespeare monologue class.
Ramone puts on his graduation cap and gown in the locker room at EMU's Rec/IM building before his graduation ceremony. He recently moved into a new apartment, but still uses the locker.