About

From September 2008 to May 2009, Ernest Patrick “Rick” Butler collaborated with artist Matthew David Rana to write and illustrate a 16 page autobiographical comic book. Rick makes his living selling handmade crocheted hats at the MacArthur BART station in Oakland, California where he lives with his dog Mama. The comic book chronicled major events during the two and a half years that he has been living outside. This online comic and blog continues where the comic left off, filling in the gaps and details that could not be included in the printed version.

It also features new stories about Rick’s recent efforts to get off the streets. In September 2009, Rick was given a digital camera with video capabilities and he has been documenting his life extensively ever since. In three minute intervals, these videos give evidence to his struggles and provide a forum for his thoughts and experiences.