Photography
In my effort to share the stories of my community, I’ve discovered that some narratives are most powerfully expressed through a visual lens. This gallery is a collection of images capturing both the individuals who have been overlooked by society and the compassionate community members who work to uplift and support them.
March for Cesar Chavez
Marchers fill one lane of East 5th Street, carrying signs that speak of the protest, peace, and resilience embodied by Cesar Chavez, their steps echoing those who came before them. With the Austin skyline rising in the distance, the scene becomes a powerful bridge between past and present—honoring decades of struggle while pushing for continued change.
Immigrant Rights Are Human Rights
Jay Sanchez holds a handmade sign advocating for immigrant rights, walking just behind her husband and children as they march together through the streets. For Jay, this isn’t just a protest—it’s a family legacy in motion, a visible stand for dignity, belonging, and a better future. “I march so my kids know their voices matter—and that this country can be home for all of us,” she says.
Leading the way
At the front of the march, one leader raises a conch shell to her lips, its deep call echoing through the streets, while another gently waves sacred incense through the air—together guiding the crowd into a ritual rooted in honor, resistance, and cultural legacy. Their ceremonial entrance pays tribute to the life and impact of César Chávez.
William Hershel – God Loves Diversity
William Hershel, a longtime Austin resident, holds a sign calling for unity and diversity as he and his wife walk side by side with fellow demonstrators down 5th Street during the annual César Chávez March. The Hershels have been part of the march for over a decade, standing in solidarity with the movement’s message of justice and inclusion. “We show up every year because this is about more than history—it’s about continuing the fight for equity in our own backyard,” William says.
Walk of compassion
Leading the group toward Pan Am Hillside, the two female march leaders share an embrace—an expression of solidarity, strength, and sisterhood at the heart of the movement. Their connection mirrors the unity behind the march itself.
Charlie Center volunteers
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, volunteers serve a warm lunch to members of the homeless community at the Charlie Center. Each week, the center opens its doors on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, providing not only hot meals but also vital services such as transportation, medical care, housing assistance, ID, and mail services for those who are homeless or underserved.
Adrian Bedford
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Adrian Bedford fills a bag with clothes offered by Thriftish, a nonprofit providing free apparel to those in need at the Charlie Center. A lifelong Austin resident, Adrian has been homeless for the past three years. “These people really come out here every day to do the Lord’s work,” Adrian says. “I don’t know what we’d do without them.”
Clothing donations line
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, individuals make their way down the aisle of clothing provided by Thriftish at the Charlie Center, each person welcomed to fill a bag with items they need—completely free of charge. Like all services offered by the center, the clothing is a symbol of dignity and support.
Michael Cadenas
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Michael Cadenas, a homeless man from Eagle Lake, Texas, smiles as he shows me a photo on his phone after finishing his lunch. The image, created by his younger brother, portrays Michael as a proud and strong superhero—an uplifting depiction that contrasts with the struggles of his current reality. “He made this for me to remind me that I’m stronger than I feel sometimes,” Michael says, his voice filled with gratitude and pride.
Mighty Mouse
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, John Paul III, affectionately known as “Mighty Mouse” in his community, radiates enthusiasm as he prepares for the weekly Charlie Center navigation center event. Once a homeless individual himself, Mighty Mouse has dedicated the past 8 years to serving as a director at the center, helping others find the support they need to rebuild their lives. “I’ve been where they are,” he says with a smile. “Now I’m here to show them that there’s always hope—and always a way out.”
Dixie Clanton
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Dixie Clanton proudly shows me his new ID card, a crucial step toward rebuilding his life, provided by the Charlie Center. Currently homeless, Dixie once worked on the oil rigs in his hometown of Galveston, Texas, until a life-changing back injury forced him to stop. “This ID means I’m not invisible anymore,” Dixie says, his voice filled with both relief and hope. “It’s the first step toward getting back to who I was before everything changed.”
Robert Willis
On Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025, Robert Willis sips his coffee, quietly waiting to receive his bus pass at the Charlie Center. Originally from Elkhart, Indiana, Robert moved to Austin in 2018 in search of work, but now finds himself navigating the challenges of homelessness.
Mario’s Seafood
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, Jackie Ibarra and Blair Waltman-Alexin film as Abel Lopez proudly introduces them to Mario’s Seafood—his favorite spot in the heart of Rundberg. As Blair and Abel step through the doors, Jackie captures the moment on camera, the lens catching Abel’s ATX Peace shirt, representing the Community Violence Intervention (CVI) program of Jail to Jobs. “This place isn’t just about good food,” Abel says. “It’s part of my story—it’s where I’ve felt seen, welcomed, and rooted.”
The role of food
As Blair records, Abel and Jackie share a candid conversation about the powerful role food played in Abel’s journey through life in Rundberg—how meals became a source of survival, connection, and healing. “Sometimes a warm plate was the only thing that reminded me I was still human,” Abel reflects, his voice steady with emotion.
Powell House Bible Study
Abel Lopez leads a bible study at the Jail to Jobs safe house in Austin, Texas on Feb. 27, 2025. Abel is a formerly incarcerated person who know works as a violence interrupter and case manager for Jail to Jobs, and leads bible studies for participants every Wednesday. “This isn’t just a place to stay,” Abel shares. “It’s a place to heal, to grow, and to be seen.”
Powell House Bible Study
Gathered in the living room of the Powell House, participants and staff lean in as Abel leads a heartfelt Bible study, filling the space with reflection and connection on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025. Located in Austin’s Georgian Acres neighborhood, the Powell House serves as a safe haven for many of those present—offering shelter, support, and a sense of belonging.
Abel and Brandon – the Charlie Center
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025, Abel Lopez and Brandon Henry sit down with a Jail to Jobs participant as he enjoys a meal provided by the Charlie Center in Austin, Texas. The conversation flows easily as they talk about the services that have become lifelines—housing, identification, and transportation—services Abel and Brandon regularly bring participants to access.
Abel picking up participant mail
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025, Abel Lopez carefully collects mail for a Jail to Jobs participant at the Charlie Center in Austin, Texas. While the Charlie Center primarily serves the homeless community, it also plays a vital role in supporting recently released individuals, like those served by Jail to Jobs, by providing crucial services that help them reintegrate into society. “Nobody thinks about how people who haven’t got housing yet will receive their mail,” Abel says. “How are you supposed to pay your bills or get your ID if you don’t have a mailing address?”
Abel and Leah – the Charlie Center
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025, Abel Lopez discusses a Jail to Jobs participant’s bus pass with Leah Hargrave at the Charlie Center in Austin, Texas. Leah, who founded the Charlie Center just a few years ago, has built it into a crucial navigation hub for homeless individuals in the area, offering access to resources like transportation. “A bus pass might seem small, but it’s a key to freedom—it’s how they get to job interviews, housing appointments, and a better future,” Leah says, as she and Abel work together to support those in need.
Abel and Brandon – the Charlie Center
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2025, Abel Lopez and Brandon Henry discuss a Jail to Jobs participant’s important documents at the Charlie Center in Austin, Texas. Brandon, a formerly incarcerated individual who started as a participant in the Jail to Jobs program, now serves as a violence interrupter for the nonprofit.