Billy of Gallup, New Mexico

I met Billy at the Missionaries of Charity Mens Shelter and Food Kitchen in Gallup, New Mexico. He was one of 50 or so native american indians eating dinner and using the shelter daily in the October cold of Gallup, where nighttime temperatures are often at freezing.

Billy is a proud Navajo and wears his braided pony tail half way down his back. He first caught my attention when he was telling funny stories to the other Navajo men at the shelter. His big smile and laugh are infectious. Everyone loves and respects Billy as one of their ‘elders’ at the shelter.

When Billy was in his early 20s he went into the army and over 10 years worked his way up to tank commander. He likes to joke that he left hunting buffalos as a Navajo warrior to hunting the enemy while serving his country. After the Army Billy returned to the Navajo life and took an apprenticeship as a plummer, working for many years in the maintenance of apartments The past several years have been difficult for Billy. He’s unemployed and homeless. During the day he walks the streets of Gallup looking for odd jobs, hoping that there are better days ahead.

Billy