See My Story

This project began in the Fall of 2017 when I walked away from a Connections for the Homeless luncheon thinking ‘What can I do to help? Can my photography help make a difference in people’s lives?’ A few months later, See My Story was born as a portraiture project created to raise awareness about homelessness in Evanston.

Right away it was clear to me that even the best photograph on its own could not begin to tell the complex story of a homeless person’s journey.

I believe strongly that everyone has a story to tell about themselves and we all have a profound need to be heard. This is especially true of those who feel their lives have been overlooked, invisible or disregarded. To address this, I invited each person I photographed to share their story with me in an informal interview. Consequently, each portrait and the accompanying story excerpt in this exhibit is the result of a relationship built on respect and trust that recognizes each participant as a unique individual with a story worth telling - and learning from.

Over the last four years I have spent countless hours talking to people and listening to tales of lives lived very differently from my own - each one a story with the same experience of not having a place of one’s own to call home. These were stories of lives without a set of keys, a lease or even a bed of one’s own. Some of these stories started out similar to my own, but took a turn due to poor choices or very bad luck. Other stories seemed doomed from the start, the result of dire and unrelenting circumstances. The common thread in each story of homelessness I heard was the lack of a network of support during someone’s most desperate days. This is a safety net so many of us take for granted, but it is often the difference between a bed in a home and sleeping out on the streets.

We can all make much needed donations of clothing or food, volunteer our time and give money to organizations like Connections for the Homeless and Interfaith Action. Both are invaluable partners of this project who rely on community support to provide daily vital support services to those in need. But beyond supporting these organizations, I hope that these portraits and stories encourage you to see someone experiencing homelessness as a person deserving to be recognized as part of this community. Someone worthy of a moment of your time and attention. A cup of coffee and some conversation. Some understanding and empathy.

Even more so, I hope See My Story not only empowers the subjects of these photographs but also inspires all homeless individuals in Evanston to see themselves with greater self esteem, equality and opportunity.

Doug Haight, September, 2021

SEE MY STORY TEAM

Doug Haight: Photographer, interviewer, producer

Bob Tanner: Interviewer, producer

Jeff Forgash: Community liaison, producer

Bill Bridges: Producer

Liz Reeves: Producer

Betsy Station: Writer/editor