Sunday, August 31, 2008

I am now heading towards home

I am now heading towards home, I never expected to meet the amazing people I've met along this journey - you have all taught me soooo much - to all of you who have changed me and my life, I cannot thank you enough - this includes the very generous people who put me up along my venture, as well as my generous financial donors - those who allowed me to begin this great project and the generous donors that I met across the south.
. . .  I plan to continue project 2 this late fall - winter. I will cover the entire usa, if you or someone you know of has a hardship story (due to layoffs, illness, weather related or any unique situation), please contact me at sarahgphotography@comcast.net I am happy to learn about amazing organizations throughout the country!
PLEASE scroll down and look at the photos I have posted from (very few) of the amazing people I've encountered in phase one of project 2. their stories will amaze and surprise you . . . and hopefully touch you, as they did me!
your comments are appreciated - please stay posted for the next phase - ANY donation is a generous one! I will also now be applying for grants - suggestions and ideas are appreciated!
My prayers are with all the people I have been blessed to meet . . . especially during this frightening weather situation . . . . 


7th stop - waco, tx

waco tx was my final stop for the first leg of  'project 2'. A friend there turned me on to an amazing organization called Caritas - they serve (pantry) food to approx 100 people per day,  . . . with 100 new people in need each month - they have many operations running there, including a shared thrift store (with a church), bulk clothing they send to 3rd world countries, they offer many of their received donations to other non-profit organizations (very affordably), they provide assistance with household needs and utilities on a temporary basis, provide an intake service for runaways and abused women to assist them in finding a safe place to go.
soooo much more - will be in the book!


Monday, August 18, 2008

(4th & 5th stops!) al & ms

Please forgive me for not posting while in Alabama and Mississippi - did not have Wifi connection . . . . . .  Thanks to Rosalyn in Birmingham for finding me a great couple in Montgomery - etc. and to Cynthia in Jackson for putting me up! and providing me with a long list of great people that I interviewd in MS. Sadly I am only able to post 2 photos from each state, difficult to narrow down - have met endless people that overwhelm me! 

Saturday, August 16, 2008

6th stop, new orleans, la

my oh my how time has flown - I seem to start every interview with "hi, what day is it and where am I???" what an amazing adventure this has become and the project is constantly redefining and developing itself with each new incredible person & family that I meet! I am currently in new orleans. la - I have already been to alabama and mississippi. . .  those photos are on now - I leave tonight (sat 16 08) for texas - to anyone reading this blog that I have interviewed, please know that you are all in my hearts and prayers. this project has had a profound impact on my own life and my own plans . . .   thank you for your recent posts - please keep them coming!  I am now in Waco, TX

Saturday, August 2, 2008

3rd stop Alpharetta, GA

I am currently in Alpharetta, GA. a suburb north of Atlanta. Searching for a shelter in the area I was led to the MUST ministries in Marietta. What a unique place - a facility that offers the homeless some very necessary job requirements for any applicants, an address & phone #. They also provide laundry service and much more. A noon meal is provided to anyone in need. Monday I head to Birmingham AL.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

2nd stop Columbia, SC

Jean, the ACORN director in Columbia gave me a few suggestions for locations to check out around town which let me to some interesting people, She also introduced me to young woman, Kathy - who i refer to as the SC angel! I followed Kathy around for a few days and now have some very interesting stories here including a special group of people (one of Kathy's ministries) and the 8 pastors at a small church in W. Columbia - a powerful group of people at a little church - this will be an exciting entry in my exhibit and book.

Monday, July 14, 2008

1st Stop Raleigh NC

Monday July 13,08  wow - what a beautiful drive down here from Delware this is a beautiful area  - Dustin in Raleigh was wonderful he drove me to some areas of interest for my project that I will hopefully be able to connect with tomorrow - it is looking like my next stop will be in Columbia SC. I have met some wonderful people here (through my brother Josh) who are willing to donate to the community for the long haul - details later! This has been a wonderful start to 'PROJECT 2'  -- gas is high here, so PLEASE keep those donations coming in!  thank you all who are making this possible - s

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

PROJECT 2 - MISSION STATEMENT

The purpose of 'Project 2' is to "focus awareness" of the growing poverty and the 'new homeless' in America through the visual power of Photography. In July 'o8, I began my journey covering portions of the south, southwest and several states in New England photojournalistically documenting our neighbors who are enduring the hardships of every day life without adequate food or shelter. As the numbers of these families are growing across the country, it is important that this problem be illustrated by showing the Real Faces and stories of many of the affected by the current economy. Another piece of Project 2 will be to include the many neighborhood & national organizations reaching out to help as they can - however, with the overwhelming increase of people without they are unable to keep up with the needs.

After phase one of 'Project 2' was complete so many more situations became aware to me, after photographing many hard working people in real struggles to stay afloat, this project became much more personal. I think often about the people I have met on the road and wonder often if they are still in their homes . . . . or safe where they are???

'One Thing' is all it takes to change a person & families lives forever - layoffs, illness, predatory lending, grandparent to parenting, added medications . . . 'one thing' that can and is changing peoples lives.

'The ultimate goal is to have a nationwide traveling exhibit and a published book'
The traveling exhibit will reach libraries, colleges and locations where the future of our country can have an opportunity to view unfamiliar realities - or to see others who have dealt with similar situations with a discussion w/questions and answers. Ideally I'd love to open the eyes of the many people who are unaware or do not accept this constant crisis. So far with my documentary I have photographed families that would surprise many of their friends and neighbors - this is NOT a crisis limited to one caste, job or geographical location.

However, I need your help! Please be a Giving Person / Company /Organization by generously reaching into your pockets and gifting whatever amount your wallet will allow. All gifts are greatly appreciated and will help make this project a reality. You can make monthly contributions if you cannot give all you'd like to give at one time. All monies will go towards assisting with travel / project expenses; e.g. gas, lodging, food, maps, compact camera flash cards, flash batteries, gas, portrait gifts for families, gifts for the children, photo printing, gas, road emergencies, water, ice, showers at campgrounds, necessary expenses, CD's, journals, coffee, gas, future expenses with the traveling exhibit, book publishing and, did I mention gas? My travels, with information and photographs showing how your gifts to this effort are at work, may be followed on this blog. All gifts will be duly recognized in anything published or exhibited: Friends - $25 - $499 Sponsors - $500 - $999 Benefactors - $1,000 - $4,999 Patrons - $5,000 + Please make checks out to: Greene Photography - Under Memo you MUST Write: ACCOUNT #2 Mail to: Delaware National Bank • PO Box 513 • Lewes, DE • 19958 (Delaware National will provide me with copies of Checks Deposited to be able to Record all Financial Gifts)

PLEASE VIEW THE PHOTOS BELOW - I AM SHOWING ONLY 2 FROM EACH STATE AS A SAMPLE IN THE BLOG