2017

Homelessness

Spartanburg, SC

The city, the photographers and local homeless ministries asked for another project. We saw familiar faces behind the cameras along with many new friends as well. The struggle of homelessness in Spartanburg was made evident by the documentary work of these photographers, giving us access to places we could never go. But, we also saw lots of joy and even humor by the images captured.

Winners

1st Place

Murungi Esther, Katanga
Photo description: Child cooking
Title: Helping with Housework
Caption: I asked my grandmother to help me take a picture of me cooking bananas and fish. Every evening when I come back from school, I help my grandmother with house work like washing dishes, mopping the house, washing my uniforms, and cooking. This time I chose to help prepare lunch. My grandmother does most of the housework when I am at school, so I do most of the cooking during weekends. I took this picture to show how my grandmother trains me how to cook different types of dishes.

"Dog Days of Summer" by Roddrick Miller

Diamond was a rescue dog. Her owners kicked her out of a moving car and my friend Chris and I have been taking care of her for a month. The local pet store gave us 20lbs of food for her.

2nd Place

"Rest Your Bones" by Candice Fowler

I thought it was funny to think about how many bottoms had sat in that chair. Where we hang out, it's being thoroughly used.

3rd Place

Nakazzi Alice, Katanga
Photo description: Man with jerry cans, bike
Title: Life of Hard-Working Parents in Slum Areas
Caption: I took a picture of my father at work. He fetches water and supplies it to people in markets, saloons, and restaurants. He has been doing that work since I was born. He struggles so hard to provide everything we need at home. It's too hard for him since he is a single parent. I always feel bad seeing him struggling. But I am so proud of him. He is my hero. He has sacrificed everything to God to help me make my dad happy in everything I do. I love him so much.

"Joy" by T. Jones

My daughter just seemed happy regardless of the situation we're in. I teach her to be grateful for what she has and not to worry about what we don't have.