Something happens when John Goddard trains his lens on a Westside CARES neighbor. Neighbor is how the nonprofit describes those who use its services, typically unhoused people and those experiencing poverty who might need help with food, clothing and other services, including some health care and a place where they can receive mail. “All of a sudden, they open up, and all the character, dignity and challenge of their lives seem apparent,” said the Colorado Springs photographer. “It’s a stunning experience.” Photographer John Goddard takes photos of those who use the services at the nonprofit Westside CARES. Photo by John Goddard More than 20 of John Goddard’s portraits of those experiencing homelessness and poverty will be featured in a new exhibit and fundraiser for Westside CARES. Photo by John Goddard Photographer John Goddard shows a woman her portrait at the nonprofit Westside CARES. Courtesy Westside CARES More than 20 of Goddard’s portraits of those who have used the nonprofit will be featured in the new exhibit and fundraiser, “Neighbors.” It opens with a free reception on Friday at Auric Gallery. “These aren’t just unsheltered people who need help,” Goddard said. “They’re neighbors with stories like us, who have had some bad luck.” Available for sale at the show will be a book featuring 20 of Goddard’s photos and 20 poems about the neighbors, written by Westside CARES CEO Kristy Milligan. All proceeds from the sale of the books and the portraits in the exhibit will go to the nonprofit. Milligan will read some of her poems at the opening reception and also during a free artist talk with Goddard on Wednesday. The poems, each about a specific person she has known, were inspired after beginning work at the nonprofit in 2017. “I was sharing these really beautiful, tender moments with people, in which I was seeing them as full people,” she said. “I have, for most of my life, used writing as a way of expression and elevating voices, including my own. It was something I turned to to capture these beautiful moments with these beautiful human beings.” She often shows her poems to the neighbor it’s about, though some of her pieces are written posthumously. “Most recently, I read a poem to one of my neighbors in the hospital,” Milligan said. “We both cried. I said did I get you right? And he said yeah, you did.” Goddard began monthly photo sessions of the nonprofit’s neighbors in 2020 as a way for the organization to have photos of the people they serve, and to more easily explain what they do and for whom. “I explain by saying you’re here to get help and maybe you can do something back for them by having your picture taken or letting them use it for their communications,” he said. “Not always, but most of the time they think about it and say OK. Once they trust you, and you reassure them there’s not going to be unwarranted use of their name or image, they are receptive.” Goddard also prints out three copies of each photo for the person, which go into a packet with a notecard, stamps and envelopes. They can send the photos to whoever they want. “They just light up, and many do send or give that photo to someone else,” Milligan said. “Everyone, no matter who they are, wants to truly be seen. And if that can be done visually or through storytelling, that’s what John and I are trying to do — truly see people. It’s dignifying and terrifying to be seen. Anyone can relate to that.” Every week, 250 people walk through the doors at Westside CARES, and every year, 10,000 people are served through the nonprofit’s food pantry partners. Milligan herself has a caseload of about 20. She hopes the two-week exhibit prompts people to consider any generalizations they might have about people experiencing poverty and homelessness. “Everyone struggling is someone’s brother, sister, child or parent,” she said. “Poverty isn’t about making good choices, it’s about having good choices. It’s seeing how our neighbors struggle in those moments of not having any great choices. It’s really powerful, and I hope the exhibit and the poetry bring that to light.” IF YOU GO What: “Neighbors,” photos by John Goddard, poems by Westside CARES CEO Kristy Milligan When: Opening reception 4-8 p.m. Friday, through Jan. 15 Where: Auric Gallery, 125 E. Boulder St. Price: Free; 719-464-5880, auricgallery.com Something else: Artist talk, with poetry reading by Westside CARES CEO Kristy Milligan, 5 p.m. Wednesday, free. ...read more read less