Denise “Silkiie” Harris says she wants to work, but opportunities to play her music are hard to come by. Silkiie is a piano player and singer who has been honing her craft since she was four years old. She is the lead vocalist and keyboard player for a band called Rhythm Spirit Rhythm, which she formed with a bandmate in 1980.

Silkiie’s challenge to find work as a musician is compounded by the fact that she does not currently have stable housing; Silkiie has been living in various locations in the Skid Row area for the past few months. One of the biggest challenges she faces is finding storage for her piano and personal items, as well caring for her golden chihuahua terrier, Radio.

“I need my own place to be able to practice,” Silkiie said. “To be able to stay focused and have my little Radio.”

Without her own space to practice, Silkiie travels around Downtown Los Angeles to rehearse. She frequently plays in churches, as well as a music studio on Skid Row. Silkiie also volunteered and practiced piano at a senior citizen apartment building called Angelus Plaza until December 2018.

“It’s hard to stay focused and go forward when there’s so many things and obstacles in the way,” Silkiie said. “I’m waiting on a voucher that I was told would be two weeks to two months, and it’s been almost a year.”

For the moment, Silkiie is focusing on promoting her music online, trying to book gigs and remaining optimistic for the future.