I Am More Than You Think I Am · Julie W. McCarthy

"I am hardworking. I care a lot and go out of my way to help people. I am a mother of three and it is a struggle, but the struggle is worth it. I work hard to better myself every day." - Amy

"I am beautiful. I am smart. I am all that I can be. I am a morther, a sister and a friend. I am proud of being alive. I am proud of being here today - being able to do something today that I wasn't able to do yesterday. Everyday is a wake up call - a fresh start. I want to be able to share the things that I know and the things I can do with the world. And, hopefully, find a job." - Blanca

"I am happy. Everything is fine. I have three children living with me. I have been in the country for five years. I am from Mexico." - Aida

"I am working hard. I like to work. Pittsfield is home. When we first came to this country we had no place to live. Now we do. I have three children too." - Juana

"I am a capable, strong woman. I can get through whatever life throws at me. Sometimes I feel like giving up, but I won't. I can't. I have two children, a step-daughter and a grandson. I was in the Military Police in the Air Force during the third phase of Desert Storm. I also do ghost hunting-paranormal investigation." - Julie

"I am honest. I am smart. I am faithful and loyal to my friends and family. I am proud of people in general." - Kathy

"I am an optimist. I am a recovering addict. I am a former business owner. I do not use the word "can't." I am a mother of a child who died of SIDS. I lost everything in a fire. I am a Survivor." - Kim

"I'm not playing around! I want to go to work and make money. I don't want to freeload. I don't want to be treated like crap. I want people to respect me and see that I'm not lying around. I work two jobs and it's still not enough. There's no reason to be mean to people. If people are homeless they don't have the good fortune of others. They hit rock bottom and it's hard to make your way back up. I am proud that I'm in college at 45 and working two jobs." - Louisa

"I can be a good mom again. I messed up and I need to get back in their lives. People make mistakes and need second chances. I'm trying to find work and I'm going to counseling. I was a really good mom. I have four kids and it makes me sad not to be in their lives." - Melissa

"I am energetic. I have two wonderful children I love very much. I am looking for work. I am looking for housing and to get my license back. I realize there's a lot more to life than the way I've been living - the people I have chosen to be around - and I am looking forward to changing my life." - Noelle

"I am homeless. I am a mom not wanting to be a grand mom. I have two daughters. If I could have anything I wanted it would be to have a home. And to make the pain go away. " - Paula

"I am trying to be a changed person. I like to sing. I sing to myself. I hate men. If I could have anything in the world it would be to have my parents back together." - Amanda

"I am friendly, sometimes overly. I am a troublemaker. I am a mother. I want to get a GED. I want something stable in my life - a roof over my head. I am an alcoholic. I am going to try to quit drinking. That's all I can do is try. I will do anything for anybody if I can." - Rachel

"I'm a single mom of four and it's hard sometimes. My biggest support is my Mom. My children are my world. I don't want anybody to judge the cover of my book just because I am losing my daughter to an open adoption. I think it is the best for her. I have legal custody of my two youngest. I will find out soon if my older son can come home or not. I'm proud of being a mom of four. The only thing I would change is that I wish their fathers would be a part of their lives." - Krystal

"I have been homeless. I am a humbler and wise woman. I like outdoor activities. When I go through hard times, I still stay strong." - Ritza and Yahhriliz

"I love people. I enjoy making people happy with my talents. I like to give them my time and energy as opposed to things. My mom died two years ago. I lost my best friend and all means of survival. The homeless situation is dear to me heart and is something I feel is just not taken seriously. I believe we should do what we can to help others." - Suzanne

"I am a fighter. I pick myself up and keep going. I'm in recovery and I don't hide it. I am a mother of four, a grandmother, a sister, and an aunt. I am a domestic violence survivor." - Toni

These photos address the issue of homelessness for women in a series of black and white portraits. As a society we tend to label people without looking beyond. This project is intended to look beyond. The portraits depict women who are beautiful, proud, strong-and homeless. Before taking a portrait, I talk with each woman about what she would like the viewer to know about her. The text from that conversation accompanies the portrait.