While global headlines rightfully spotlighted the heroism of healthcare and emergency workers during the height of COVID-19 in New York City, another group of heroes—ordinary people who stepped up to volunteer—often went overlooked. In response, we created a portrait series honoring the everyday individuals who risked their health to support their neighbors.

During the early days of lockdown in Southern Brooklyn, we photographed and interviewed over 150 mutual aid volunteers, capturing authentic environmental portraits that reflect the strength, generosity, and diversity of our local communities.

This series has been recognized with billboard campaigns on LINKNYC digital kiosks across the city, inclusion in the Smithsonian’s Vaccines & Us initiative, and exhibitions at Photoville in both 2021 and 2022.