While I Breathe I Hope started as a doctoral project of three USC Psychology students

"Sleeping the Woods" Roy Carigg specializing in the field of community clinical psychology. It has grown into a grassroots effort supported by many members of the Columbia community to communicate and support the needs of the homeless population in our city.

The exhibit is a unique collaboration among homeless individuals, the USC Department of Psychology, the Midlands Interfaith Homelessness Action Council, the Central Carolina Community Foundation, and the Columbia Museum of Art, with support from the City of Columbia and several local businesses such as Wal- Greens and Earth Fare.

The project uses the method of "photovoice" to give homeless volunteers a chance to speak for themselves through the use of photography. After spending time with the homeless and building relationships, the students distributed disposable cameras to the homeless volunteers and asked them to tell their stories through the use of pictures.

Thirty- five photographs taken by 16 homeless individuals are on exhibit at the Columbia Museum of Art through August 3, 2008. The goals of the exhibit are to increase awareness and understanding of the challenges the homeless face, to generate discussion about how the community can address these challenges and inform people how they can get involved in helping the homeless.

"The photographs show the harsh realities of being homeless, but they also show the strength of the human spirit to survive. The photos not only challenge individual assumptions about what it means to be homeless, but encourage a we are in this together perspective rather than a we against them mentality. The difference between us and them is very small," shared David Dei Asiamah, USC graduate student.

Greg Townley, another graduate student leading the project writes, "I genuinely believe individuals who view the exhibit will be moved by what they see. The pictures do show the harsh realities of being homeless, but I think what really stands out is the humanity in the photographs."

According to a homeless lady who participated in the exhibit, it is extremely difficult to find employment or some way out of homelessness. She said they need job skills training and on the job experience so they can earn the money to get off the street. This woman's cry was help us help ourselves.

Many of the homeless are where they are because of a past mistake which is an obstacle to employment, renting an apartment, and many of the basics of human life.

The exhibit is open to the public June 20 to August 3, 2008. The Columbia Museum of Art is located in downtown Columbia at the corner of Main and Hampton Streets.

For additional information, contact Greg Townley or David Asiamah at homelessness@hotmail. com or (803) 381-8136.