San Francisco's island of poverty
A photojournalism student captures the tensions, tragedies, and normalcy of a neglected, tight-knit community


A playground burns in Alice Griffith public housing, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)The neighborhood and its residents are finally seeing signs of revival. But redevelopment has been promised and slated for decades, while residents lived in neglect.In 2007, a hou

Friends and family mourn Andre Helton, 18, who was shot and killed in his car, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)

Jermaine is arrested in Hunters View, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)

The Bread Me Out crew outside a laundromat, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)

Hunters View, 2009.
(Alex Welsh)

Speedy examines his chain, 2009.
(Alex Welsh)

The Pacific Gas and Electric Company looms in the background, 2007.
(Alex Welsh)

The night of Obama's election, 2008. (Alex Welsh)

A couple kisses in Alice Griffith, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)

Hunters View celebrates the life of Martel Peters, 2008.
(Alex Welsh)**To see more of Alex Welsh's work, check out his website, Twitter, Instagram, and Tumblr**Editor's note: A previous version of this article mischaracterized Bayview-Hunters Point