Never Really Home

By Elke Scholiers

Elke Scholiers

Team Eppridge

STORY SUMMARY

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Excelsior Springs was once a vibrant place that embodied the idea of America as a land where home-ownership was possible. But by the time Pepper Williams was born, the original mineral springs and associated robust economy had disappeared. Water tourism left the region and low paying jobs tightened their grip on the community.

Pepper Williams, 38, a mother of four children and seven animals is an example of how financial stress and family trauma disrupts and defines one’s path. The hardworking mother received an eviction letter in mid-September. According to the Section 8 Housing Authority, her hourly salary rose from $12 to $17 last November, so she no longer qualified for Section 8 Housing. Five days after the notice of eviction, she was blindsided by a child welfare inspection and harassment from her ex-husband informing authorities about conditions in the home. Creating a home is not easy for the family, but the world outside is most frightening.

Among the three daughters, the instability of everyday life has taken a large toll on Camryn Reberry, 15, the middle daughter. Her tumultuous struggle and emotional behavioral issues forced her out of school for a week. “They called me names”, said Camryn.

“Never Really Home” is a microcosm of what is happening on a global scale, America’s housing structures keep communities largely unable to fight back against their overwhelming circumstances.

Pepper Williams and her three daughters, Kylei, 16, Camryn, 15, and Kenya Reberry, 14, live together in a 3-bedroom apartment in the outskirts of Excelsior Springs, Mo. Pepper is a special needs caretaker and runs two households.

Camryn Reberry's bedroom. The three sisters have their own bedroom but Pepper Williams sleeps on the couch due to lack of space and demanding work hours.

Camryn Reberry and her family drive to Watkins Mill Park in Excelsior Springs. They fill up water bottles and wash in the bathhouses after the Excelsior Springs Water Bill company shut off water due to late payments.

Camryn and her best friend Chloe spend time outside after class at Excelsior Springs Middle School. Camryn had just returned to school after having been suspended for one week.

Camryn Reberry texts a friend at home in Excelsior Springs. She can’t do homework at home because the family can not afford internet.

Pepper Williams hugs her daughter Kylei after she came home from work. Daughter Kenya takes off her mother’s sunglasses to prevent them from falling on the ground.

The local police conducting a child welfare inspection at Pepper’s home. Pepper’s ex-husband called the police after the water was cutoff.

Pepper Williams carries a water jug to her home. The family uses two jugs to wash their hair, do dishes and provide water for their three dogs and one cat.

Kylei and Camryn Reberry packing their home. Pepper has only been able to find one affordable housing option: to rent a 3-bedroom trailer at the Manor Mobile park.

Kenya Reberry sits outside her family's house with their three dogs. She is the only daughter of the three who splits her time between her mother and her father’s home.

Camryn Rebbery playing at the outdoor park at Sonic. Camryn and Kylei eat out to distract their minds during the stressful process of eviction.

Brian Kratzer, Co-Director

Alyssa Schukar, Co-Director

Hany Hawasly, Technical Director

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