“Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity over humanity, nothing exceeds most of the criticisms made on the habits of the poor by the well-housed, well-warmed, and well-fed.”
~ Herman Melville
For many years, it has been my honor to photograph for the community force of nature that is Mary’s Place. At a time in Seattle’s history when the need outpaces the resources exponentially, every day I’ve shot for Mary’s Place has been a personal lesson in heartbreak, resilience, and perhaps most of all, perspective. I think everyone should sit down to a hot meal with a homeless kid, and repeat as necessary until your next meal tastes different.
She asked him for courage.
This sweet girl has a rare, untreatable genetic condition which will likely end her life before her second birthday. That would be unthinkable for any mother and child to face. Now add homelessness. This little one is the first hospice baby to stay at Mary’s Place. For the unimaginably brief time she has left, she’ll be safe, warm and loved.
This mother has an autistic son. Their guinea pig is a tremendously calming presence in his life. The last thing a family in crisis needs is more crisis. Mary’s Place helps families weather the storm together — furry, feathered, and scaled members too. When struggling families find themselves in need of Mary’s Place, those families aren’t forced to choose who is saved and who is not.
Her dog is named Bug. And she is everything to this girl.
Her dog is Calpurnia, named for the maid in To Kill a Mockingbird. She told Santa, "I don't care what happens to me. But please ask God to take care of my dog."
This young mother is expecting her second child soon.
Not all Christmas wishes are simple.