A lot of people tend to avert their eyes as they pass by those experiencing homelessness out on the streets. Photographer Brent Walker seeks them out.

Walker is the man behind The Hidden South, a photo blog that collects portraits and stories from those living on the margins of society.

In January, The Hidden South released a book collecting some of these. It’s called “Come Home.”

In sharing stories from those living on the margins of society in the Southeast, Walker hopes to spread compassion.

“All of a sudden, you have to look at people as humans,” he explains. “And if all the people in this book are humans and they all have a story, then everybody that’s being judged out there has a story as well.”

“Hopefully it gives humanity to people,” Walker says, “and encourages people to treat other people better.”

“The Hidden South – Come Home” is available now. There will be a launch party celebrating its release at Cafe 458 on Feb. 20.