In pursuit of the American dream

In pursuit of the American dream

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Like so many before them, Bazileo Hernandez (left) and Jeff Williamson came to North Dakota's oil country seeking a better life. They just came too late.

As recently as last spring, unskilled workers could show up in the No. 2 U.S. oil producing state and vie for salaries north of $100,000 per year with guaranteed housing. The steep drop in oil prices has changed that.

. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Despite North Dakota’s frigid winters, Hernandez (left), Williamson (center) and their friend Terra Green arrived to Williston from the Pacific coast with no housing and little warm clothing.

They were hoping to find work at the state's Bakken oil formation, considered one of the largest in the world. But as extracting oil from the Bakken is now far less profitable, some companies in North Dakota are laying off staff and curtailing housing perks. Those still hiring are demanding specialised skills.

After four weeks in Williston, the friends were not able to find full-time jobs.

. WILLISTON, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen
Jeff Williamson calls a potential employer to ask about jobs.

While private and public social services have never been the region's strong suit - there are only 10 beds available at a church-run shelter - cheap oil and the rapidly evolving employment demands have exacerbated the plight of would-be workers who show up on Williston's doorstep.

This despite the best efforts of state and local officials to warn that jobs, housing and other necessities should be arranged before setting foot in the Bakken.

With no place to sleep, Hernandez, Williamson and Green hopped between a motel and an acquaintance's motor home.

. WILLISTON, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Yet out of despair sprung a bit of hope: After arriving in Williston as friends, Green and Williamson fell in love. They married at the local courthouse.

Later the same day, Green took a bus back to Oregon, where she is from. Williamson followed a few days later. They soon separated.

"In Williston, I was taking a risk and not knowing what would happen," Green said, wistfully. "We knew we had a connection, but it was too early."

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Slideshow

Jeff and Bazileo smoke cigarettes outside the Salvation Army office. They hoped to get help finding a place to stay for the night.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Jeff and Bazileo smoke cigarettes outside the Salvation Army office. They hoped to get help finding a place to stay for the night.

Terra, Jeff and Bazileo wait to talk to a social worker in hopes of getting help finding a place to stay for the night.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra, Jeff and Bazileo wait to talk to a social worker in hopes of getting help finding a place to stay for the night.

Terra receives vouchers for food and clothing from social worker Pat Montgomery at the Salvation Army office. Montgomery was unable to help Terra and her friends find a place to stay that night.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra receives vouchers for food and clothing from social worker Pat Montgomery at the Salvation Army office. Montgomery was unable to help Terra and her friends find a place to stay that night.

Jeff and Terra search for coats in a Salvation Army store.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Jeff and Terra search for coats in a Salvation Army store.

Terra smokes a cigarette on the roof of a house where the group stayed for several days.
. WILLISTON, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra smokes a cigarette on the roof of a house where the group stayed for several days.

Bazileo lights a cigarette in an RV parked on the streets. A stranger let him and his friends stay in the vehicle with him overnight since temperatures outside were below zero.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Bazileo lights a cigarette in an RV parked on the streets. A stranger let him and his friends stay in the vehicle with him overnight since temperatures outside were below zero.

Bazileo and Jeff exit an unheated RV.
. WILLISTON, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

Bazileo and Jeff exit an unheated RV.

Bazileo eats a hotdog outside a corner store.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Bazileo eats a hotdog outside a corner store.

A bail bond company's advertisement, printed to look like hundred-dollar bills, sits on a table in a house where the group stayed for several days.
. WILLISTON, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

A bail bond company's advertisement, printed to look like hundred-dollar bills, sits on a table in a house where the group stayed for several days.

Bazileo fills out a job application at a Super 8 Motel while searching for jobs.
. WILLISTON, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

Bazileo fills out a job application at a Super 8 Motel while searching for jobs.

Terra waits to get registered with a Command Center staffing agency in hopes of finding work.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra waits to get registered with a Command Center staffing agency in hopes of finding work.

Terra sits outside a staffing agency.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra sits outside a staffing agency.

Shortly after getting married, she holds a voucher for a bus ticket.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Shortly after getting married, she holds a voucher for a bus ticket.

Terra and Jeff kiss before she boards a bus outside the station in Williston.
. Williston, United States. Reuters/Andrew Cullen

Terra and Jeff kiss before she boards a bus outside the station in Williston.

Jeff takes a break from yard work while staying with a friend in The Dalles, Oregon.
. THE DALLES, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

Jeff takes a break from yard work while staying with a friend in The Dalles, Oregon.

Terra talks with her sister Deanna Rapisura in the kitchen of her apartment in The Dalles, Oregon.
. THE DALLES, United States. REUTERS/Andrew Cullen

Terra talks with her sister Deanna Rapisura in the kitchen of her apartment in The Dalles, Oregon.