Cornell changed his block on Skid Row when he moved onto it. Almost immediately, his sunny outlook warmed his neighbors both on the street and inside businesses, adding a measure of optimism to an otherwise rough neighborhood.<br /><br />A constant source of compliments and well-wishes, Cornell's positive attitude extends far beyond the dire conditions he faces living on the street homeless in Los Angeles. Outgoing and social, Cornell is a friend to the folks who run the nearby taco trucks and warehouses and makes himself available for work wherever and wherever needed.<br /><br />At night, he sleeps in a tent on Skid Row, where any number of threats live just outside his unlocked nylon zippered door. Waking up in the morning on a few hours rest, with all the embedded trauma that living on the street entails, Cornell manages a smile and sets out to find purpose. <br /><br />While he struggles to get housing, the routine of work and the power of community offers some comfort for Cornell. Unfortunately, the work is never full-time and often sporadic, and while the money helps, it’s not nearly enough to cover rent and basic living costs in one of America’s most expensive cities.<br />
