THE 500 

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, homelessness began becoming a major problem for the city of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. Rural people came to the city in search of jobs and without a stable economy, many were forced to the streets. City official numbers state around 500 homeless live in the city, while NGOs estimate the number to be above 3,500 in 2010.

The three part series focuses on the personal stories of the homeless in one of the least forgiving climates in the Northern Hemisphere. You follow from the streets to the shelters to the hospital and back. 

Part 3 of the story brings us to a place of hope for those trying to regain stability in their lives. Traveling far away from the streets of Bishkek, this organization looks to give homeless a second chance.