A photo exhibit of families at risk of homelessness will open on Friday, March 4, in the Red Room at the Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Ave. in downtown Durango. The exhibit is presented by Housing Solutions for the Southwest. HSI works with families to obtain housing in the high-cost local market.
The show is titled "One Paycheck Away" and features portraits by photographer Robert Collins of families facing life's challenges with hope and determination. The show begins with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on March 4 and continues through March 30.
Collins is an internationally acclaimed photographer who has worked on such diverse projects as Woodstock to images for the World Health Organization. He donated his time and services to bring awareness to the mission of Housing Solutions which is to "lead the way in providing help, hope, and a seamless system of housing services to our communities in Southwest Colorado."
Housing Solutions for the Southwest provides counseling and advice on housing to hundreds of people each year. Many of the families in our community are just one paycheck away from losing their home. An accident, an illness, losing a job. any of these issues can put a huge strain on a family. Housing Solutions offers a safety net for life's challenges, ranging from homeless prevention to home repair for homeowners and beyond.
The event is a "Friend-Raiser" to increase awareness and to showcase success stories of families that have worked with Housing Solutions for the Southwest.
Alpine Bank is the presenting sponsor for the event. Others sponsors include La Plata Electric Association and the Homebuilders Association of Southwest Colorado.
For more information, call Elizabeth Salkind at Housing Solutions for the Southwest at 749-7688 at esalkind@swhousingsolutions.com or the Open Shutter Gallery at 382-8355 or visit www.openshuttergallery.com
