A 65-year-old homeless woman and her six dogs were discovered sleeping in bin bags on the streets of Tijuana, Mexico. Chole, Luz Maria Olmedo Beltran, has been living like manner for eight years.
The old widow, who has a son, refuses to go to a homeless shelter because they would not accept her dogs. Police have attempted to persuade Luz to move to a shelter in the past, but she has always refused, determined to stay with her dogs, one of which is due to give birth.
Omar Camarillo, a Tijuana-based photographer, observed Luz and started to shoot her. People have tried to help Luz and given gifts to her and the dogs after the photographs went viral. Luz has now been able to transfer into a dog-friendly shelter for 50 pesos per day.
When officers tried to persuade Luz to leave the streets and go to a shelter, the old woman burst into tears. ‘I don’t want to move, I don’t need assistance, I’m good here,’ she told the cops. Because they couldn’t leave her on the streets, cops persuaded Luz to give them her son’s address.
Despite the fact that they dropped her off at his house, Luz was soon out on the streets with her favorite buddies. ‘That day when I shot the images, it was pouring, I was going down the street and I could see the lady seeking refuge from the cold and wet with her dogs inside the rubbish bags,’ photographer Omar told Metro.co.uk. I was impressed by the woman’s living situation. ‘I see “La Chole” has a kind heart since she assists animals despite her flaws.’
Omar returned to photograph Luz’s new home, a tent. She wishes for the government to provide her with a home so she may care for additional animals.
