At the Crossroads
Embedded Files
Taylor Lebsock
Team Luster
At the edge of Missouri’s Ozark region, where revival tents still appear in empty fields and cafes double as gathering places, Madonna Greer endures long shifts, rising bills and small-town scrutiny with unflagging energy and outspoken warmth.
With rent raised this month and her food stamp benefits cut in half, Greer is at a crossroads. She is searching for affordable housing for her modern family in a conservative town where her same-sex relationship can draw scrutiny.
Down a gravel road, deep in the trees, is the trailer home she can no longer afford. She shares the space with her girlfriend, Sara Koeller, her daughter, Naveah Brush and Emma Gildehaus, 4, who she formally adopted last month and now co-parents with her former partner Eric Gildehaus.
As the family’s primary source of income, Madonna works two jobs through sore muscles. She rises with the sun to work the morning shift at White Rose Cafe and by night she serves drinks at Hangout Bar & Grill.
Madonna keeps working, each shift bringing her family closer to the affordable home she is searching for.
Madonna Greer, 40, center, sleeps between her partner, Sara Koeller, 29, left, and daughter Destiny Hill, 21, in a mobile home outside of Union. Her rent was raised this month and food stamps were cut in half. She is also struggling with the small town scrutiny of her new relationship with Sara.
Madonna leans on the counter to write a customer's order at White Rose Cafe in Union.
Madonna moves between tables, chatting with customers as she takes their orders at White Rose Cafe.
Madonna takes a minute to kneel beside a baby while carrying a basket of creamers that needed to be restocked.
Madonna takes a break from working at White Rose Cafe.
Madonna scrolls on her phone shortly after waking up between Sara and her daughters, Destiny Hill, 21, right, and Emma Gildehaus, 4.
Madonna sweeps as Destiny and Sara move furniture and Emma plays.
Madonna balances Emma on her hip while reaching for supplies at Hangout Bar and Grill in St. Clair, Mo. She and her former partner Eric Gildehaus, 45, share custody of Emma, who Madonna formally adopted last month.
Madonna multitasks while answering a call at Hangout Bar and Grill.
Madonna laughs with customers at Hangout Bar & Grill.
Madonna listens as a coworker explains how to change the toilet paper roll in the bathroom of Hangout Bar & Grill.
Madonna, Sara and her daughter, Navaeh Brush, 20, scroll through their phones while they sit in bed together.
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