America is still the land of plenty but we leave our citizens behind all the time. The vulnerable needn’t go without but with policies aimed to reward those who will take without thought and ignore those who struggle, we perpetuate a cycle of homelessness and underemployment. When I was in high school, I had a photo assignment for class to capture an important image in my city. I took pictures of a housing project area that was the focus on many stories and learned how people who struggle also have lots to teach about hope and hopelessness. I carry that experience to this day.