Author Removes Cloak of Invisibility

(posted August 21)

David Sleppy never thought of himself as a photographer and writer, just a business owner of Figment II Inc.

Fate changed that one day, when he was walking on a Toronto street and saw a young homeless man sleeping on the sidewalk. For some reason, the young man reminded Sleppy of own his son who, was studying physics at Washington University. The thought of "whose son is this?" resonated through Sleppy's mind.

Fate inspired him to write a book after he decided not to wear his coat during winter. He was walking with his face down to block the cold wind when a homeless man asked how he was doing and why he did not have a coat. Sleppy engaged in a conversation and discovered the rain destroyed the man's cardboard box and his plastic blew away in the wind. Sleppy was so touched by the man's concern for him that he gave him some money. The homeless man wanted to reciprocate with a gift, but he could only offer a gift of prayer. The two men prayed together. Sleppy dubbed the man "a true Christmas gift."

Sleppy traveled the country, shooting photos and engaging in brief conversations with the homeless. He was careful not to "pry" into their lives. "I didn't ask a lot of questions." He figured if they wanted to divulge their circumstances to him they would. He said San Monica, California is one of the most tolerate cities towards the homeless. However, he was most touched by the homeless in Indianapolis because he resides here. He said that Speedway has a bigger homeless problem than the community is aware of.

His mission now is to make people aware of the homeless community. His book, "No One Sees Me", is his attempt to show that we all are under the umbrella of one humanity. Sleppy said the title came from an encounter with a homeless person. Sleppy asked him what the worst part about being homeless was and the response was "no one sees me."

He also left one page blank in the book at the request of Bill Bicknell of Holy Family Shelter in Indianapolis. Bicknell said the homeless people who reside at shelters are never seen. These people are trying "to live somewhat a normal life."

Sleppy raised awareness about the shortage of shelters, especially family shelters to keep them united.

His book discusses how it is easier to ignore the problem and compartmentalize the homeless into three sections; addicts, mentally ill, or homeless by choice. His picture of a lady feeding the sea gulls with a homeless man lying down behind her depicts his message that society prefers not to deal with the homeless situation.

He used black and white photos to make more of a striking impact on the reader.

Sleppy explained that writing a book and marketing it is a continual learning curve. He will be promoting his book this year at Polis Center's Spirit and Place program.

Since Sleppy started selling the book on his website, parents have sent emails stating the book's photos and easy read have had a profound effect on their children. "It's an unintended consequence, but a good one." His book is "heightening the awareness of children."