Housing Up’s communications coordinator, Sarah Jael, needed help. Because of the pandemic, there had been no recent opportunities to create visual content; Housing Up was reusing material from 2019 and earlier. All of their original images were overused or poor quality.
Housing Up is a DC-based nonprofit that works to build thriving local communities by developing affordable housing. They offer comprehensive support services to homeless and low-income families.
Housing Up asked me to help because this is the work that I love – collaborating with mission-focused organizations to create strategic custom photo libraries for marketing and communications.The end goal was to capture the work Housing Up does to create stability, security and support for the families they serve.We decided to follow one family’s success story and also capture a community event at the Fort View Housing Development.
The Diatta Family used the full spectrum of Housing Up’s services which got them off welfare, into stable housing and eventually helped them purchase their first home! We captured a “day-in-the-life” with this incredible family, highlighting their bonds, stability and pride.
For our second shoot, we chose a volunteer outreach program in which students from Howard University tutor, mentor and organize activities for the children at Fort View.Fort View is one of Housing Up’s flagship affordable residential developments.
After capturing the community event, we offered the families outdoor portraits with the Fort View complex in the background; the sense ofhomegives parents and residents pride, stability and security that was palpable in the images. For me, this was the most special part of the shoot; when I am making images that have a deeper level of connection, it tugs on a deep part of my intuition and creative spirit.
“We've found that our community feels empowered when they're able to get a glimpse into the lives of those we serve, and our families love the professional photos of themselves, too!” —Sarah Jaleel, Communications and Philanthropy Manager
Both shoots were highly successful, and Housing Up has used their new photos on their website, annual report, social media, fundraising materials, email-marketing and many other communications and marketing channels.Housing Up and I recently signed a contract for another round of library shoots for 2022. Now we can continue building their photo library and checking boxes off their wish list.
“Rebecca's talent allowed us to reinvigorate our communication, marketing, and fundraising efforts, and the entire Housing Up community has taken notice.” —Sarah Jaleel, Communications and Philanthropy Manager