For nearly two decades, LA photographer Steve Williams and his Steven Williams Foundation have been a steady beacon of hope on Skid Row. Since 2004, the foundation has been dedicated to uplifting the community, measuring success not by monetary size, but by the tangible impact of their efforts.
From partnering with the Elizabeth Taylor Foundation and the CDC to educate others on HIV/AIDS awareness, to serving an impressive 1,200 meals a month to the unhoused, their mission has always been rooted in true support.
But during a recent outreach event, where the team was serving hot meals to over 300 people, the day took a heartbreaking and deeply frustrating turn.
While the foundation’s volunteers were busy providing food to people fighting to survive, their efforts were interrupted by a baffling display. Two young men showed up to Skid Row and began handing out gallon-sized bottles of vodka and small bottles of Fireball directly to the unhoused.
Williams immediately stepped in to shut it down. In a video capturing the tense altercation, the foundation founder can be heard protecting the community from the reckless giveaway.
“Sir, you cannot do that. You cannot do that to my people. We need you to go,” Williams told the men. Pointing out the damaging reality of their actions, he didn’t hold back: “This is not helping the Black community… These people need housing. They need food, they need clothing. What is liquor going to do?”
When the men seemingly failed to grasp the severity of handing out alcohol in an area heavily impacted by substance abuse, Williams continued to stand his ground. “It’s about uplifting Black people, encouraging Black people, not providing them with liquor,” he stated. “What are you doing giving them liquor? This is Skid Row. People are dealing with addiction issues.”
Following the incident, Williams took to his Instagram to express his disappointment and to issue a reminder about what genuine community care actually looks like.
“In a place where people are fighting for their lives… why bring something that destroys lives?” Williams wrote. He emphasized that the unhoused need food, jobs, housing, and support, not substances that keep them trapped in cycles of hardship.
“This is not compassion. This is not charity. This is harm,” the post read, ending with a promise to the people they serve: “We will not stay silent. We will protect our community.”
Photo Credit: Steve Williams
