Under One Roof
Portraits of Asheville’s Unhoused
As a member of this community and a photographer, I am drawn to the faces and lives of those we often pass by without much notice—our unhoused neighbors. This project is my way of building connections with those I meet and offering a deeper look at their humanity beyond the labels or assumptions often placed on them.
Many of our unhoused community are navigating complex challenges—mental health struggles, trauma, illness, and substance use—but these circumstances don’t define who they are. Each is a worthy soul, an unfolding story with a history worth knowing. They are someone’s daughter, son, sister, brother, or parent and were once an innocent child themselves.
Through our conversations, I am humbled by the resilience, resourcefulness, and savvy they’ve developed in the face of unimaginable hardship and daily challenges. As well as the raw truth in the stories they share.
Throughout this journey, I am guided by a few basic principles and intentions:
I never photograph anyone without their permission or a conversation—however brief.
I aim to offer respectful and heartfelt hospitality for each person’s story.
I hope is that in making these images, I can offer a space for people to feel seen and heard.
To the best of my ability, I try to capture a moment of truth—a genuine glimpse of their essential spirit.
We all live under one roof and sleep under the same stars.
By meeting each other with compassion, we can work toward creating a community where everyone is valued and no one is left unseen or unsupported.