The International Rescue Committee (IRC) had an exhibit at the internationally acclaimed Photoville festival in June 2022. As the lead writer on the project, I worked with the lead designer and producer to brainstorm, concept, and develop the exhibit theme “The Hands That Make a Home” and write the featured stories of four IRC clients based in Kampala, Uganda. The photographs were taken by renowned photographer Nichole Sobecki.

Since its establishment more than a decade ago, Photoville has drawn thousands of visitors to Brooklyn Bridge Park, where they can view dozens of exhibits from some of the world’s most acclaimed photographers. Exhibits tends to focus on a particular story, place or social issue.

“The Hands That Make a Home” is a visual story about how four people displaced by conflict are able to rebuild their sense of home with the help of their new community.

In these photographs, you’ll see their hands at work as they are trained by mentors in a trade that will allow them to one day start their own businesses or build up the businesses they currently have.

But look more closely and you’ll notice something else: a new community being woven together.