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"Pictures of Hope" inspires, encourages homeless youth in Tucson

Posted at 10:41 PM, Nov 14, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-15 12:55:31-05

TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but for a group of Tucson kids a picture is their hopes and dreams.

Pictures of Hope is a project aimed at inspiring and encouraging homeless youth. On Monday 15 photos were unveiled at the Children's Museum Tucson

The children were given cameras and took pictures of things that inspired them.

Photojournalist and author Linda Solomon began the project more than 6 years ago in Tucson, and has taken the idea to cities across the country. Solomon works with Our Family Services, an organization that provides services to homeless families in Southern Arizona.

Solomon says every year the need grows, and there are 2.5 million homeless children in America.

Nine-year-old Elinore took a picture of artists painting a mural because she says she wants to be an artist.

"When I look at it I'm thinking that, when I watch them do this, I think I can do the same," Elinore said. "So I am putting my mindset to what I want to do."

At the event on Monday was Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, and Mayor Jonathan Rothschild. Lina Schlesinger-Wagner, the founder of skinnytees, was a sponsor and helped congratulate the kids.

The photos taken by the children were put on greeting cards that are available to purchase through this website. The money made from the cards will be given to Our Family Services.