Martin is a 34-year-old man originally from Dallas, Texas, who has been living unhoused in Denver for the past four years. He says the city has a vibe that almost makes you forget where you're from—but he’s clear that the experience of homelessness has eroded that feeling over time.
“If I didn’t have music,” he says, “my brain would eat itself.”
There’s no self-pity in his voice—just a sharp memory, dark humor, and a deep understanding of how trust can cost you everything. He volunteers to feed his dog, avoids hard drugs out of principle, and stays connected through a cracked smartphone loaded with playlists and appointments.
This is a story about survival, loyalty, and the quiet philosophies built when you live outside the frame.
