The YMCA provides shelter for men and women of all ages and beliefs, in the UK and internationally. The residents all have their own reason for being there - whether coming in from the streets, escaping abusive relationships or making their first step towards independence.

I spent 3 months meeting the residents from some of the hostels in West London. Their stories were transcribed in an attempt to see beyond the stereotypes. The portrait was set up collaboratively to provide a small token of empowerment in a world from which they have been marginalised. Where the resident had a possession of significance they wished to share, the portrait is presented as a diptych.