One hundred people affected by homelessness in Spartanburg recently received disposable cameras with one task: to tell the stories. Their stories are on exhibit at Chapman Cultural Center.
Jason Williamson, missions pastor at The Mill in Moore, S.C., is spearheading the effort to shine a light on homelessness in Spartanburg. He and a group of volunteers met people in places where they were bound to meet individuals affected by homelessness: shelters, soup kitchens and the library.
Each participant becomes a photographer for the week. Photographers each receive a disposable FujiFilm camera and a project t-shirt, boldly stating “PHOTOGRAPHER” on the back. The assignment is simple: photograph what your life looks like – where you go, what you see, what you eat, who you spend time with – and return the camera at the end of the week.
“There is a satisfaction that comes with creating something. Each photographer will have the opportunity to share a piece of their life with the community around them. This is their chance to tell the community what a life affected by homelessness truly looks like through their eyes,” said Williamson. “These photographers may be homeless, but they do not have to be hopeless, nameless or voiceless.”
The project grew out of two of Williamson’s passions: photography and people. Williamson, who earned an undergraduate degree in art, has been a photographer since high school. As a pastor, his life revolves loving people and building relationships.
“I’ve used photography as a way to meet people and start conversations on mission trips around the world,” said Williamson. “Why not use this same tool to engage people in my own community, too?”
During this event, which will be open to the public, the community has the opportunity to be a part of the project. Those who attend the exhibit will vote on the top photos by placing money in the boxes by each piece of art. At the end of the month, the work of art with the most donations will be the overall winner.
Williamson said there will be prizes provided for the top three winners. “It will be all about meeting the winners’ needs,” he said. “We realize those affected by homelessness don’t all have the same experience. One person might need a pair of shoes. Someone else might need new clothes for a job interview. Another might want a tent. We are going to leave the final decisions up to the winners.”
The top twenty photos will be auctioned off at the end of the exhibit. Money from the auction and the voting will be given to organizations in Spartanburg that help those affected by homelessness.
For more information, visit www.throughoureyesproject.com.