I met Dixon through my aunt when I arrived in Dominican Republic. She told me about this 20 year Haitian kid who lives in the half built home next to hers. In Dominican Republic, it is very common for workers who are building homes (almost always Haitians) to live in them, sometimes with their entire families as they build. When the home is finished, these nomad-like Haitians pack up their belongings and move on to the next home. This is one of their stories.
I just wanted to ask you a few questions. I’m working on a project about people.
"Okay, yeah sure. Let’s go inside."
Dixon invited me into the hollowed out mansion, the door was just a simple piece of plywood that you push to open and close. Only the shell existed, the entire home was cement grey. We went up a spiral staircase with no railing and sat on what would eventually be a living room. He offered me a green Presidente chair but I just sat on the floor instead.
So, we've been hanging out for a while now but tell me your name and age again so the people know.
"My name is Dixon and I am 20."
What's your first language?
"My first language is french, but my Spanish is getting much better."
Where are we right now?
"We're in a home that isn't finished yet... me and a few others watch it and they let us stay here and work on it a bit.
What happens when the house is finished?
"We move on to the next one."
I think your Spanish is great. Where are you from?
"I'm Dominican... Well, my parents are from Haiti, but I am Dominican myself"
I love that. You have a lot of Dominican pride?
"I was born here, so I consider myself very Dominican... This is the country that I know best."
What do you think about the relationship between Haiti and DR?
"It's sad sometimes... I think people are misunderstanding, just want to live."
You said "live" what's the difference between Haiti and DR that allows people to do that?
"Money. There's more money here, more jobs, more opportunity."
What do you do for work?
"Anything man. I do everything to make money. Right now I'm working a lot of construction. I wake up early and work at different job sites, I've been doing a lot of cement mixing. I send most of my money to my siblings in Haiti."
"2 brothers and 2 sisters... I visit my sisters in Haiti but I don't get to see them very often."
Dixon led me to his room. It was basically a miniature shed built in the back yard - all in all, it was about 7 x 6 feet. He had a mattress on the floor, his shoes nice and freshly cleaned. His friend had just finished taking a shower a few minutes ago and walked in to get a towel. I wondered where he had just showered, till I realized it was with the hose outside.
"This is my room, better than many, thank god. I sleep good "
You're super young, what are some of your dreams, what do you want in the future?
"I'd like to own my own business. Right now I'm still learning, but I would like being a boss."
The goal of this project was to make people think. It's no secret that the rich exist, but with social media we have been given a window into their lives; the money, luxuries and advantages flashed before our eyes. What we don't see enough is the other side of reality - people like Dixon. Hopefully, this project helps will make people appreciate something.