Alexei Vergunov, 46, (right) nicknamed Lyokha Boroda ("Lyokha the Beard"), who is homeless, searches for cans and bottles that could be recycled in exchange for payment at a recycling center, in Omsk, Russia, on December 26, 2019. Vergunov used to yearn for a chance to rebuild his life, but since his partner, Alyonka, died two years ago of liver cancer, he has lost the will. They had lived together near the train station. "I get through the day and that's it," he says. "If I found a woman like her, I could stop and try to return to society, but I can't find anyone like her." #

Alexei Vergunov and Andrey, nicknamed Prizrachnyy Gonshchik ("Ghost Rider"), organize aluminum cans that they brought to a recycling center in exchange for payment on February 16, 2020. #

A man plays the guitar during a charity event organized by Caritas, a Catholic organization, held to distribute food and gifts to homeless and low-income citizens during the Christmas period in Omsk, Russia, on December 26, 2019. #

Alexei Vergunov (center) has a meal with others during a charity event organized by Caritas in Omsk on December 26, 2019. Vergunov said he has learned to be on the lookout for ill-wishers. He once saved the life of his friend Alexander after a group of teenagers set him on fire. #

Lyusya Stepanova, 44, sits in a rehabilitation facility in the village of Rozovka, Russia, on February 17, 2020. Stepanova is considering trying to return to society after more than 27 years on the street. She was hospitalized last month for three weeks with serious burns across her body after she fell asleep too close to the pipes where she was sheltering. "I plan to go home, to Mother," she said, though she recognizes she cannot turn back the clock. "My childhood dreams were noble, but it's too late now; that boat has already sailed." #

Sasha, 49, nicknamed "Poltorashka" (a 1.5-liter beverage bottle) and Lyusya Stepanova, 44, both of whom are homeless, sit on a warm pipe with their dog, Bim, as they share a meal in Omsk on December 3, 2019. #