Many of you know our Housing-Organizer-turned-Lead-Organizer-turned-Communications-Director Sam J. Miller, who has worked for Picture the Homeless for the past fifteen years. Today, Sam celebrates his last day with the organization, as he leaves to dedicate more time to his other career as a science fiction writer. See below for Sam’s farewell message!
Dear Members and Allies and Friends of Picture the Homeless,
On May 4th, I’ll be celebrating fifteen years with Picture the Homeless. And on May 10th, I’ll be (very sadly) celebrating my last day on staff.
Working with PTH has been the great joy of my professional life. I’ve learned and grown so much over the past 15 years – over a third of my life! – and it’s been such a privilege to work alongside such magnificent people and win such incredible victories.
As some of you know, I’m also a writer, and in the past couple years I’ve been fortunate enough to publish two novels (with a third on the way in July!), which have won awards and been published in international translation. I think the time has come to step away from organizing to focus on my writing, while I figure out my next big adventure in supporting fantastic social justice work. But I wouldn’t be who I am today, as an artist or as a person, without the members and fellow staffers of PTH, and this decision has been very difficult.
Picture the Homeless will continue to do fantastic work, and I look forward to finding new ways to support and participate in their trailblazing, inspiring struggle. I hope you will join me in lifting up and celebrating the incredible work that homeless folks living on the street and in shelters are doing to fight for a city that belongs to all New Yorkers. This fall, Picture the Homeless turns twenty – stay tuned for details on the anniversary gala of the season!!
In solidarity –
Sam J. Miller
Communications Director
Picture the Homeless
