Rattler exposes homeless life through photography

Society tends to stereotype the homeless while being unaware of the seriousness of the issue.
The John B. Coleman Library held an art exhibit showcasing Noah Rattler’s journey with the help of the Art Project Houston of St. John’s Downtown, bringing awareness of homelessness.
According to National Alliance, a person who lives in a place that is not suitable for human habitation, such as a person’s couch, emergency shelter, and loss of primary residence, which may include living in a motel or hotel is considered homeless.
Native Houstonian and alumnus of Prairie View A&M University, Rattler graduated with two Bachelor of Science degrees in mechanical engineering and physics.
He was faced with the decision to chose the corporate America route or stay and make a difference in his community.
Rattler chose to commit his services to SEARCH Homeless Services in Houston.
Working at the homeless shelter, he became more aware of the severity of homelessness in the United States.
He then made the decision to walk 1,800 miles from Houston, Texas to Los Angeles, Calif. to raise money for SEARCH Homeless Services, which later expanded into a National Awareness campaign.
The John B. Coleman Library displayed Rattler’s accomplishments, capturing his walk through photography.
Upon entering the gallery, students are instructed to start walking from the right, the same way he started his journey.
During his journey, Rattler had a close friend drive his van alongside of him.
The van was temporary shelter during the course of the project, where he slept, ate and held weekly business meetings on Monday’s.
Rattler volunteered at local shelters and soup kitchens having conversations with the homeless men and women he met on his journey.
He walked on historic Highway Route 66, passing Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo, Texas.
He also walked through New Mexico, AZ and finally reaching the California State line in San Bernardino, Calif.
After arriving in California, Rattler visited the Santa Monica Pier where he was interviewed by the media.
He then proceeded to take his shoes off on the shore line of the Pacific Ocean and stand in the ocean.
Photographs captured Rattler having an intimate moment with God as he completed his journey.
Shanquela Chambers, a junior mass communication major, said, “Rattler completed a journey most cannot complete in a lifetime. He brought attention to homelessness and made everybody listen. Instead of talking about the situation he stood up and walked for it. He inspired me to not only do more volunteering in the Prairie View community, but in my community back home.”