RWA | Philadelphia | Editorial Portraits by Dave Moser
Ready, Willing & Able or RWA | Philadelphia is a chapter of the The Doe Fund, a national transitional program that helps recovering addicts, ex-convicts, and homeless "break the cycle of homelessness, addiction, and criminal recidivism by providing paid transitional work, occupational training, housing, and comprehensive support services." RWA works with Philadelphians facing serious social and economic barriers: 100% are homeless, nearly 70% of RWA trainees have incarceration histories of 5 years or more; 96% have a history of drug or alcohol abuse; and 36% do not have a high school diploma or a GED.
Since 2001, Ready, Willing & Able has helped hundreds of homeless adults graduate into lives of self-sufficiency by attaining full-time work, securing independent housing, and maintaining sobriety. Ready, Willing & Able trainees, often referred to as the "men in blue" — because of their trademark blue uniforms — work to rebuild their lives and work to keep many of Philadelphia's parks, sidewalks, public spaces and facilities clean — making the "City of Brotherly Love" a better place for all.
I initiated a pro bono project with this highly successful program and photographed over 25 people during the course of one year. The photographs were auctioned at a fundraiser and used for publicity and collateral for the benefit of the organization.