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Photographer Reveals The “Addicted” Side Of The Streets Of Philadelphia, And It’s Terrifying
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Kensington Avenue in North Philadelphia is infamous for drug abuse and prostitution. The Avenue runs 3 miles through what is now a dangerous and crime-ridden neighborhood. Kensington Blues is a photography series by Jeffrey Stockbridge, 36, that documented the struggles and the dark reality of local residents.
Between 2008 and 2014, the photographer took a series of intimate portraits of people capturing a side of Philadelphia that is rarely seen or talked about. The residents shared their stories, talking about drugs, prostitution and other struggles of their lives.
"The goal of my work is to enable people to relate to one another in a fundamentally human way, despite any commonly perceived differences"- Jeffrey shared on his website. "I rely on the trust and sincerity of those I photograph to help me in this process."
Take a look at the powerful images below.
More info: kensingtonblues.com
This post may include affiliate links.
Al
Al lives in a house off Kensington Avenue without electricity or running water. He sometimes rents his upstairs bedroom to prostitutes in need of a private location for engaging in sex and drug use.
I will second Nancy E on this one: Mental illness, drugs, including alcohol, cause lives to go awry. It is simply the truth, so why the down'voting?
Sarah
"I'm 55 years old, I have a master's degree in psychology, but after my husband, mother and father, died in a car accident two years ago, I lost my whole family, my career, one, my health, all in one go."
The Twins Tic Tac And Tootsie
"We out here so we can get money so we has somewhere to rest our heads. We look out for each other. If I can't get money, she gets it, and whatever money we get we share...We need quick money cause we need somewhere to sleep every day. I mean, trust me, we don't want to be out here doing this. This is the last thing I want to do. But I do what I have to do to take care of my sister. Cause she’s all I got and I’m all she's got."
I have gone through all of the comments on these pictures and there have been a lot from a lady named nancy and a man named robert and another account named black dahlia. I get that you like to joke about other peoples weaknesses but what you do not realize is that they have a legitimate problem. an addiction that controls their live. accept it or not but they depend on their drug or the occupation as much as any one else depends on our lungs to breath or water to cleans us. addiction is nothing in the matter to be laughed at or jokes upon, what they need is support and hope to help them deal with the terrible decision they have made in their past. also before you sit there and call someone "disgusting" because of a decision they made in their past, step back and think of the worst thing you have ever done in your life, sure it may not be heroin or prostitution, but it can still be judged and mocked just as much as these people in these pictures.
Pat And Rachel
They still have children, whom they gave away to a special agency for their protection. "We gave the kids away, people say it's a selfish act, but I think it's the best I could do for their better future," Rachel said.
Carroll
She told that she often sleeps on the streets during the day to protect herself at night.
Thought I might see my niece in one of these photos.... thank you for documenting this world. Difficult to see, terribly tough to experience and survive in. My heart goes out to all.
Jamie
"I’ve been raped, and, you know, almost killed really"
Bob
I wish there was more info on Bob. He's dressed so nicely, you'd never think he was a drug user. What is the story here?!!
Tanya
She is 25 years old, working in the sex industry since she was 18.
Carol
A local resident, at the time she was 41. Carol told the photographer that she had been doing heroin for 21 years and it became "the love of her life".
I see myself in her. I was a heroin addict (and anything else I could get) for 20-25 years. I have been clean for 21 years and have a better life than ever. But during my using days I lost my husband (best man on the planet) cuz yeah heroin was my only love, my son, family, everything. I've been working at Denny's for 15 years and proud of it. I am totally self sufficient today. It is so hard. Go to meetings, Narcotics Anon., Alcoholics Anon. get a sponsor, work your program and it will work. When you want it more than anything, it will work. Good luck.
Mary
"I don't just do this for drugs. I do this because I wanna eat, because I like to buy clothes, because I like the small things, you know. I did have a normal life once but...I really believe, like if my, if my family say like, "Mary come, come home stay with us" like, if I could I would..."
Sarah And Dennis
The veins in Sarah's arms were no good for injection, so she asked Dennis for the drug to be injected to her neck.
Matt Neal
Awww. This one is sweet. Oh wait. Dahlia is here..... Why haven't they been banned yet???
Kensington And Somerset
Maria: "I’ve been here almost 8 years and I see a lot of bad stuff going around. They say when you go between it, you gonna do it too." Robert: "You don’t need no cable, you don’t have to watch TV. You just gotta sit out here. You see drama, you see soap opera, you see violence and crime." Maria: "You even see sex."
Matt Neal
He struggled with drug addiction after being released from prison. Sepsis developed in his left leg. Because of his addiction, he failed to meet the treatment regimen and eventually the doctors had to amputate part of the leg.
Nichole
I love the way she looks hopeful, it's inspiring to think that even in these situations people can still maintain hope
Melissa's Arms
I feel like sometimes the physical wounds are a small percentage of our inner suffering. My heart goes out to this person.
Bobby
Paul (Left) And Anthony (Right), In The Courtyard At The Last Stop Recovery House
Matt And Brian
Matt shoots Brian in the neck in front of the McPherson Square Library on Kensington Avenue. It's 10 AM on Sunday morning.
Nichol
"I don’t really ask people for a lot, I get my money, like I don’t like to, cause a lot of times to get people to take care of you, you have to lie to them. And then lead them on and make them think that you're gonna get clean. And then, and then it ends up getting to be too much, where they’re trying to control what you do. And I’d rather just get the money and end it at that with no strings attached cause I don’t need someone following me around, trying to track me down like, trying to drop me off at rehabs and shit."
God, she is just a child. I can only imagine what got her to this point.
Ashley
Diana With Her Kids
ok, I seriously don't understand what's so horribly wrong with Nancy's comments? I mean, it DOES look like this woman is pregnant again. It's not an insult, it's not making fun, it's just an observation.
Marion
"I went into rehab, for, like, snorting cocaine, taking oxies, perks, and I met people that did dope and smoked crack, and, you know, like, one thing led to another, and I was just, I was, I wanted to try it, and I did."
Edward
I can’t imagine what it’s like for people without anywhere to go in the winter. It got to negative fourteen degrees here the other day and i saw a woman on the side of the road in a T-SHIRT. I gave her my coat of course, but even so she could still get frostbite, or worse. It just breaks my heart.
Crystal
But it's a sad, demeaning and hard lifestyle that haunts someone forever if (I'm most cases) they are forced into it
Eric Kyle
"What I’m doing I really don’t particularly care to be doing, but I do it anyway, and I’m not ashamed of it 'cause if I was ashamed of it, I wouldn’t do it....Until I decide to change it’s what I’m gonna do. Hopefully, like, the will of God...will make me strong enough and give me the determination to stop and get some help."
Bobby
"I sold a lot of drugs and was involved with a lot of like, stuff that had to do with shooting guns and all. Most of it was uh selling drugs and collecting money that was owed to me and it caused me getting into a lot of trouble."
Christina
While many of you enjoyed your snark at my expense , this is discourse , & , that's what makes the USA a free Country. Did I annoy you ? That wasn't my intention . All of us have been affected by the scourge of drugs. In my family, my daughter in law lost both of her children to drugs , the youngest in high school ; the oldest after college. My nephew had a university job. He lost his teaching credentials in America due to drugs & has been teaching outside the US. Meth is big here. Homes that manufacture it , must be cleaned by biohazard experts . Children are separated from their parents , without a toy or stitch of clothing , taken to our House of Hope . Parents must remain clean for 2 years to get them back. The stats say 2% get their children back. So, drugs cause unbearable heartbreak to families & our communities. I feel no smugness Aunt Messy , & , I truly am sorry if I offended all of you. Before today, I had not posted here since the 27th.
I like your comments. I'm happy when I see that you liked our articles, because you show that when you write! I always hope to see you in Bored Panda!
I am always interested in reading & viewing what you post, Hidreley. You are an asset to Bored Panda. I'd like to thank the kindness expressed to me. I was feeling pretty low
you might not like her comments but they are nothing compared to some of the other comments! it's twilight zone here! people get a grip! this whole post is full of spiteful little evil 14 year olds and their adolescent spew but you direct your anger at Nancy!?
1 Nancy I dont care if your country is free or not. 2 Internet is not the US. 3 This happens everywhere. DRUGS do not run inside ppls bodies by themselves. In sum, addicts USUALLY harm themselves a lot but they can also harm others (thats when others normally care, as you repeatedly insist). They need professional help and blaming "drugs" (shoving the blame to an object) is saying addicts are not responsible for their situation. First step is admitting and looking for help: there are also other types of addicts: sugar, sex, gambling, legal drugs, and so on. To evry1: BP is a copy and paste website. They basically use clickbaits on FB that might include some deal of misinformation. Their money is made out of adds. JUST CHECK THE SOURCE. Mr. Hidreley basically copied most shocking pics from the cited website. Amazingly, was honest enough (or well-informed enough) to put the source. CHECK the ORIGINAL WORK and SUPPORT THEM if you really WANNA DO STH -> kensingtonblues.com
Terrifying should be replaced with Heartbreaking. Nothing terrifying about this
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I don't quite understand that encouragement. Have you actually read her comments to these pictures..? I love BP, but why are they so keen on people like Nancy E..? I can only assume it's because they may become infamous and therefore attract more curious readers... Sad, really...
Nancy, I hear you. Aunt Messy is one of the biggest trolls on here and has trouble with people who don't share her view. Don't let it get you down. For most of us, none of this is "real." We're just spending some time online as a break from our real lives...other people take it WAY too seriously. They grasp onto it because they have nothing else of substance in their life. Oh well
Thank you , Ben. I got hammered today , &, it reminded me that adults can be bullies, too. Banning should be for reasons other than annoyance. Annoyance is part of every day life. Just skip my comments would be my suggestion to those annoyed by me. I did feel hurt by the degree of animosity expressed.
I cannot stand Aunt Messy. Or Patti, for that matter, with her crack baby comments.
I know that getting downvoted can be really upsetting not to mention people telling you to shut up and calling you a troll. Stay strong. If you meant well then don't let it get to you. A piece of advise tho: think before you post. If you think that a great deal of people will find your comment offensive then don't post it. Or if you do post and people reply negatively then at least state your intentions. Keep the hate at a minimum and less hate will be directed at you. Have a good day :)
Nancy, I enjoyed reading your comments both here and on other articles. I can tell you care and you're writing from the heart, not just judging or being sarcastic. You have a real view of the world and well thought opinions. Please don't let people stop you from expressing that <3
You have not offended me! you are expressing emotions that these pictures evoke in a lot of us. I don't get the anger toward that...
Hey Nancy, I liked some of your comments (assuming you deleted most of them). :) Just figured there are so many haters, I'd drop a line saying you are not hated!! You are so empathetic-probably through your understanding of the situation. Drugs are seriously horrible and evil and extremely dangerous and despite all the warnings, I know so many people who still want to try them just for the sake of trying them out! Anyway, I hope you have a good day and good year! Cheers
May you be blessed so much Nancy E and may you somehow reach your dream. You will NEVER offend me, because you are a HUMAN and I love HUMANS. Bless you :)
I understand, and I regret and apologize for everyone else that swore or yelled at you. I am so sorry.
It might've been annoying people because you have such a Holier Than Thou attitude about it, and then you say things like "Well ,then, you are an idiot." and play the victim when they call you out on acting like an expert up on your high horse. Stop playing the blame game, go back and read EVERYTHING you wrote, and if you still can't figure it out then realize the fault is your own.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
But why are your comments so negative? Here I see a person who's gone through Struggles and is open to sharing them and being kindhearted, but in the comments you're just a troller. Could you like actually explain that to me?
One of her comments literally said, "someone help him please!" In what regard is that negative?! These peolle need help, despite some of the normal looking appearances, they are drug addicts, or did you forget the title of the article?Sorry you drank the We Hate Every Comment Nancy Makes Koolaid but kindess isnt the key to fighting with addiction being honest is...
Which comments would those be?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I agree. This is the only comment of hers that shows some level of compassion.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
...and please stop playing the victim here... ):
Hey, can you please go join the Aunt Messy hate thread below so you can spout your weird negativity with the rest of them? Nobody on this thread, at least, cares to read your comments. Thanks
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
If your comments were just controversial, I would agree. However, your comments are either callous or plain stupid, mostly even both. Seriously, why are comments such as "...body not emaciated.." necessary and in any way helpful..?!?
Don’t forget to add “in my opinion”. Many people, myself included, disagree with your comment. And playing the victim?? Who made you the comment police?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You weren't "expressing an opinion", you were acting like a bigot, and a childish one at that. What you need to do is sincerely apologize. And no, "I'm sorry your upset" is NOT an apology.
Black Dahlia, your posts are in no way humorous nor entertaining.
I think the amount of down votes you got speak otherwise.
Amen.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I find them both entertaining and humorous so I guess that makes you wrong.
You were humorous once or twice, but too often you were just being a bitch. Also, I don't get your hate for tattoos. I don't think people who are poor should be wasting money on them, but there are good ones.
In fear of being called an idiot or other great names being thrown around here, I must say that this is by far the worst and the saddest comment section I have ever read here on BP! Angry, disgusting comments from people hiding behind their computer! This should not be allowed, I hope BP does something about this. This is a peaceful site where people show each other respect!
While many of you enjoyed your snark at my expense , this is discourse , & , that's what makes the USA a free Country. Did I annoy you ? That wasn't my intention . All of us have been affected by the scourge of drugs. In my family, my daughter in law lost both of her children to drugs , the youngest in high school ; the oldest after college. My nephew had a university job. He lost his teaching credentials in America due to drugs & has been teaching outside the US. Meth is big here. Homes that manufacture it , must be cleaned by biohazard experts . Children are separated from their parents , without a toy or stitch of clothing , taken to our House of Hope . Parents must remain clean for 2 years to get them back. The stats say 2% get their children back. So, drugs cause unbearable heartbreak to families & our communities. I feel no smugness Aunt Messy , & , I truly am sorry if I offended all of you. Before today, I had not posted here since the 27th.
I like your comments. I'm happy when I see that you liked our articles, because you show that when you write! I always hope to see you in Bored Panda!
I am always interested in reading & viewing what you post, Hidreley. You are an asset to Bored Panda. I'd like to thank the kindness expressed to me. I was feeling pretty low
you might not like her comments but they are nothing compared to some of the other comments! it's twilight zone here! people get a grip! this whole post is full of spiteful little evil 14 year olds and their adolescent spew but you direct your anger at Nancy!?
1 Nancy I dont care if your country is free or not. 2 Internet is not the US. 3 This happens everywhere. DRUGS do not run inside ppls bodies by themselves. In sum, addicts USUALLY harm themselves a lot but they can also harm others (thats when others normally care, as you repeatedly insist). They need professional help and blaming "drugs" (shoving the blame to an object) is saying addicts are not responsible for their situation. First step is admitting and looking for help: there are also other types of addicts: sugar, sex, gambling, legal drugs, and so on. To evry1: BP is a copy and paste website. They basically use clickbaits on FB that might include some deal of misinformation. Their money is made out of adds. JUST CHECK THE SOURCE. Mr. Hidreley basically copied most shocking pics from the cited website. Amazingly, was honest enough (or well-informed enough) to put the source. CHECK the ORIGINAL WORK and SUPPORT THEM if you really WANNA DO STH -> kensingtonblues.com
Terrifying should be replaced with Heartbreaking. Nothing terrifying about this
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I don't quite understand that encouragement. Have you actually read her comments to these pictures..? I love BP, but why are they so keen on people like Nancy E..? I can only assume it's because they may become infamous and therefore attract more curious readers... Sad, really...
Nancy, I hear you. Aunt Messy is one of the biggest trolls on here and has trouble with people who don't share her view. Don't let it get you down. For most of us, none of this is "real." We're just spending some time online as a break from our real lives...other people take it WAY too seriously. They grasp onto it because they have nothing else of substance in their life. Oh well
Thank you , Ben. I got hammered today , &, it reminded me that adults can be bullies, too. Banning should be for reasons other than annoyance. Annoyance is part of every day life. Just skip my comments would be my suggestion to those annoyed by me. I did feel hurt by the degree of animosity expressed.
I cannot stand Aunt Messy. Or Patti, for that matter, with her crack baby comments.
I know that getting downvoted can be really upsetting not to mention people telling you to shut up and calling you a troll. Stay strong. If you meant well then don't let it get to you. A piece of advise tho: think before you post. If you think that a great deal of people will find your comment offensive then don't post it. Or if you do post and people reply negatively then at least state your intentions. Keep the hate at a minimum and less hate will be directed at you. Have a good day :)
Nancy, I enjoyed reading your comments both here and on other articles. I can tell you care and you're writing from the heart, not just judging or being sarcastic. You have a real view of the world and well thought opinions. Please don't let people stop you from expressing that <3
You have not offended me! you are expressing emotions that these pictures evoke in a lot of us. I don't get the anger toward that...
Hey Nancy, I liked some of your comments (assuming you deleted most of them). :) Just figured there are so many haters, I'd drop a line saying you are not hated!! You are so empathetic-probably through your understanding of the situation. Drugs are seriously horrible and evil and extremely dangerous and despite all the warnings, I know so many people who still want to try them just for the sake of trying them out! Anyway, I hope you have a good day and good year! Cheers
May you be blessed so much Nancy E and may you somehow reach your dream. You will NEVER offend me, because you are a HUMAN and I love HUMANS. Bless you :)
I understand, and I regret and apologize for everyone else that swore or yelled at you. I am so sorry.
It might've been annoying people because you have such a Holier Than Thou attitude about it, and then you say things like "Well ,then, you are an idiot." and play the victim when they call you out on acting like an expert up on your high horse. Stop playing the blame game, go back and read EVERYTHING you wrote, and if you still can't figure it out then realize the fault is your own.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
But why are your comments so negative? Here I see a person who's gone through Struggles and is open to sharing them and being kindhearted, but in the comments you're just a troller. Could you like actually explain that to me?
One of her comments literally said, "someone help him please!" In what regard is that negative?! These peolle need help, despite some of the normal looking appearances, they are drug addicts, or did you forget the title of the article?Sorry you drank the We Hate Every Comment Nancy Makes Koolaid but kindess isnt the key to fighting with addiction being honest is...
Which comments would those be?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I agree. This is the only comment of hers that shows some level of compassion.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
...and please stop playing the victim here... ):
Hey, can you please go join the Aunt Messy hate thread below so you can spout your weird negativity with the rest of them? Nobody on this thread, at least, cares to read your comments. Thanks
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
If your comments were just controversial, I would agree. However, your comments are either callous or plain stupid, mostly even both. Seriously, why are comments such as "...body not emaciated.." necessary and in any way helpful..?!?
Don’t forget to add “in my opinion”. Many people, myself included, disagree with your comment. And playing the victim?? Who made you the comment police?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You weren't "expressing an opinion", you were acting like a bigot, and a childish one at that. What you need to do is sincerely apologize. And no, "I'm sorry your upset" is NOT an apology.
Black Dahlia, your posts are in no way humorous nor entertaining.
I think the amount of down votes you got speak otherwise.
Amen.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
I find them both entertaining and humorous so I guess that makes you wrong.
You were humorous once or twice, but too often you were just being a bitch. Also, I don't get your hate for tattoos. I don't think people who are poor should be wasting money on them, but there are good ones.
In fear of being called an idiot or other great names being thrown around here, I must say that this is by far the worst and the saddest comment section I have ever read here on BP! Angry, disgusting comments from people hiding behind their computer! This should not be allowed, I hope BP does something about this. This is a peaceful site where people show each other respect!