We Are Here: The Faces from Third & Plum, Part 2
“We are here.” It's a phrase that's been echoed by single moms and in city chambers and around encampments, and we couldn't get it out of our heads.
These are the stories of those experiencing and fighting housing insecurity here in Cincinnati. We believe telling stories changes things. We believe listening changes things. We promised the community that we would tell their stories. It's up to you to listen. Visit womenofcincy.org/housing for the full series.
This is Part 2 of the story of our time at Third & Plum. Read the beginning of our journey and hear Eddie’s story here.
Writing and photography by Chelsie Walter.
After Eddie shared his story, we thanked him, threw around a couple of jokes, and chatted off the record. Next, Momma joined us. Momma, a middle aged woman with kind eyes and flecks of gray in her ponytail, hails from Kentucky. After spending two minutes with her, it’s easy to see why “Momma” has become her nickname in the community.
I’ve had a very diverse lifestyle. I don’t have any college background but I have a lot of life experience. I worked in the emergency room for eight years; I was a 911 dispatcher for 12 years. Not to put a blame on anyone but I went through a divorce. I started drinking a little bit, and it just became a rollercoaster.
After chatting with both Momma and Eddie, we joined a small crowd that had gathered around Bison. Bison is an artist in every sense of the word. That day, he was creating jewelry. I knelt down, snapped a few pics, and got to know the unconventional mayor a little better off the record. By the end of our time there, I felt comfortable, welcomed and impressed. This community supported each other, looked out for each other, and shared resources. They all played roles: Bison the mayor, Momma the caregiver, Eddie the wise counsel and Bison’s mentor.
I hope this gives you a glimpse into the goodness that exists here, the strength and hope that lives here. This camp is now gone, but I hope the community and friendships survive, and their time together can help outsiders understand what it means to be human a little better.
Continue reading at womenofcincy.org/housing.