Joshua Wesley Thompson, @CardboardID
This is Josh Thompson. Maker (and drinker) of amazing coffee. Coastal dweller. Music lover. As a matter of fact, I first met Josh in the music scene. He was one of the first photographers I met who was taking the time to focus on the local bands instead of only shooting the big bands. Quite the inspiration actually. On top of all this, he also promotes music and art via The Farmer’s Market. All of this is great, but it’s not why I’m here telling you about Josh. I present to you, Cardboard Identity.
The idea behind Cardboard Identity is something extraordinary. Something most of you have never done, or thought of doing. Cardboard Identity aims to humanize the very people we shy away from. Homeless people. Josh isn’t afraid. He spends a great amount of time having coffee and conversations with homeless people all over the United States, getting lost in their stories. He learns their struggles, their passions, and strives to help them in a way they need it most.
Starting January 15th, 2011, Josh will be heading out across America to do what he does best. Connect. Josh will be spending time with homeless people in every city he comes to, with the ultimate goal of learning who they are, photographing them, and publishing a book about it all. Seems a little, uh, self-serving … doesn’t it? Make money off of people who have none. Not quite. The money made goes right back to the very culture he’s immersing himself in. Not on a big level though. He won’t use the money in a diluted fashion to spread it amongst thousands of people. The money will go back, one person at a time, in a way that perfectly benefits the person in need. Rehab, hospital visits, job hunting, food. One on one, where it’s most effective.
That brings us up to right now. December 29, 2010. Nearly two years of photographs, video, stories compiled so far. A road trip just days away. Lives to be changed.
This is the point in the story where I point you to the website with a link to donate to the cause. Money is needed. Money to fund the trip (gas & food … thankfully Josh has a network of couches across the country to crash on when needed.) Oh, just in case you were worried, CardboardIdentity.com is extremely easy to navigate. Videos, information, links … it’s all there. Hit up Josh on Facebook for some updates, and know that I’ll bring you some more information on Josh (and the book) when it comes available. Maybe I’ll get him to write in to let us know some info on his trip as it’s happening. For now, he goes. He loves. It’s what he knows how to do.
… And that’s Josh Thompson’s Four Minute Story.
