By Shekinah Harper, Editorial Intern
An upcoming exhibit, sponsored by Georgia Power, hopes to shine a light on the 1.8 million Georgians who fall below the poverty level and are simply hidden or ignored.
“Profiles of Poverty” is a 50-photo exhibit launched by St. Vincent de Paul Georgia that chronicles the plight of Georgia’s most vulnerable populations. This photography exhibit depicts the issues affecting the poor, including homelessness, hunger, healthcare, accessibility, home-bound seniors and unemployment.
Stories will be displayed from individuals like Chanda Tulis, who until recently lived out of a ’95 Volvo with her 3-year-old daughter Journi. Thanks to the Sullivan Center at St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, she and her daughter now reside in a small apartment in College Park. Although she constantly hears the buzz of the nearby planes from Hartsfield-Jackson Airport, Chanda says she is blessed to be there.
The Kickstarter-funder exhibit will feature photos from the state’s most talented photojournalist, including exhibit curator John Glenn.
Glenn is an award-winning photographer whose 25-year career has spanned work at the AJC and USA Today.
The exhibit will also feature photography from David Tulis, Stephen Morton, Chris Hunt, Joeff Davis, Tim Redman and more.
The gallery will be on display at the Colony Square for the month of August. The opening reception event will be held this upcoming Tuesday, August 5 at 5 p.m.
Here’s a preview of the upcoming exhibit:
Lavardo Lawrence relaxes at home before heading to his night shift in Gainesville (more than an hour commute from his home in Southwest Atlanta). St. Vincent de Paul recently helped the single father and his 5-year-old daughter avoid eviction by covering his May rent payment after he was laid off. He is now completely self-sufficient, despite making significantly less than he did at his previous position. Although he doesn’t love the commute, he’s grateful to be back to work. – Renee Brock
Winter 2014 was one of the most brutal in Atlanta’s history, including two snowstorms and temperatures falling into the single-digits. This photo, taken in February, captures one man’s attempt to create a home out of leftover materials. –John Glenn
Sandra Hughes, a single mother from Jasper. In the four years since she sought assistance from St. Vincent de Paul, Sandra Hughes completed her degree from Chattahoochee Technical College, working at the college’s Appalachian campus. In her free time, Sandra volunteers with a local prisoner outreach program and is even working on her master’s in human services to “help pay it forward.” Her photo demonstrates that with assistance many can escape the clutches of poverty and despair. –Tim Redman
Sandra Hughes, a single mother from Jasper. In the four years since she sought assistance from St. Vincent de Paul, Sandra Hughes completed her degree from Chattahoochee Technical College, working at the college’s Appalachian campus. In her free time, Sandra volunteers with a local prisoner outreach program and is even working on her master’s in human services to “help pay it forward.” Her photo demonstrates that with assistance many can escape the clutches of poverty and despair. –Tim Redman
Men congregate outside a dilapidated house near English Avenue and Vine City. The two neighborhoods are frequently cited for poverty and crime. According to U.S. Census data, less than 40 percent of residents are employed and 37 percent of the area’s housing is vacant. –John Glenn
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