Diana Kim is a photographer who was raised on the Island of Maui. Her father was also a photographer and taught her how to take pictures. Sadly, her parents separated, and she lost touch with her father, who was not around much anymore.
In 2003, Diana started taking photos of people who didn’t have a home. She wanted to raise awareness about their struggles and help them. Then, in 2012, something surprising happened. While taking pictures of homeless people in Honolulu, Diana saw her father among them.
Kim shared with NBC News that there were times when she couldn’t locate her loved one with severe schizophrenia during the night. However, he would suddenly appear on the street corner on some unexpected days. Her loved one’s untreated schizophrenia sometimes made him unresponsive, and he seemed to be arguing with no one present.
Kim continued providing meals for her dad and encouraged him to receive mental health care. However, it wasn’t until he had a heart attack in October 2014 that he was finally convinced. Today, Kim’s father is doing much better and is no longer homeless. He continues receiving treatment, searching for a part-time job and even intends to visit his family in South Korea.
More info: dianakimphotography.com | homelessparadise.com | Facebook | Kickstarter (h/t: mymodernmet, nbcnews)
Diana Kim began photographing the homeless in 2003.
Her father taught her about photography, but she lost contact with him after her parents divorced.
Kim was taken aback when she saw her father among the homeless people she was photographing in 2012.
“I had been looking for my father for weeks before finding him sitting behind a dumpster, tucked under a bush for shade.”
“He had severe schizophrenia and was not always responsive if left untreated.”
“There were several occasions when it appeared as if he was arguing with someone, but no one was present.”
Kim’s father agreed to seek therapy for his disease only after he was hospitalized due to a heart attack.
“I gave my old camera to my father in the hopes that it would pique his interest in photography and give him something to look forward to.” I want him to stay in this pleasant environment.”
He was much improved after only a few months. “It felt good to see him so healthy and tall again.”
“My father spends a lot of time with his friends and is actively looking for work.”
“I have learned to continue embracing personal and spiritual challenges as an opportunity for growth,” Kim told NextShark.
“Life is a gift in and of itself.” I am very relieved to see him alive and well. “I’m grateful for what we have right now.”
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