Since 2016, I’ve been investing in communities and documenting urgent stories across the country. Through my camera and platform, I work to amplify voices often overlooked—advocating for humanity, justice, and dignity through visual storytelling. As an independent photojournalist and documentarian, I’m not tied to any outlet. This freedom allows me to build long-term relationships, show up consistently, and tell stories with depth and care. From protest movements to refugee camps, environmental defense to mutual aid, I strive to humanize what others often reduce to headlines or statistics.
This donation page was originally created when my primary camera, my lifeline as a documentarian, broke unexpectedly in the middle of coverage. After years of use in snowstorms, wildfires, refugee camps, protests, and extreme conditions, the Sony a7III I relied on since 2020 finally gave out. My backup camera had already died at the border in 2022. At the time, I had just spent over $6,000 on van repairs and other essential gear, and replacing my camera felt out of reach. Thanks to the generosity of this community, I was able to repair my gear and continue the work. I now keep this page open as a space for one-time donations for those who want to support Humanizing Through Story when they can. These funds help cover travel, supplies, repairs, and the many unseen costs of independent journalism. If you believe in showing up, in human-centered storytelling, and in the power of images to advocate for change, you can contribute here. Thank you for helping keep this work going
You can also join our Patreon team, a Monthly subscription for as little as $3.50 a month. But I recently opened our Patreon for people to join for free and still get access to the content there. On Patreon you will get exclusive content, gifts on (some paid tiers), a personal community about my work and travels in the van, be added to close friends' stories on IG and more. learn more here: Patreon
ou can also donate below via PayPal, Venmo @humaningthroughstory / @Jon_Stegenga, or CashApp $yourstorymatters
Help replace my broken cameras
DONATE VIA “GIVEBUTTER”
Hello, World!
Monthly Patreon Support
GOAL: $1k montHly
Currently : $216.60 monthly
Hello,
Monthly sustainers also get behind the sense of looking into my life on the road, travel tips, Journalism stories, and exclusive content; they are part of the "close friends" Instagram stories. Patreons at $15/month or higher get handwritten postcards from my travels throughout the year.
Everything that I covered in the past 5+ years was made possible by my Patreons, so thank them for believing in and trusting in me!
I'm looking for people to help fuel this work. Im starting Spanish lessons and want to give back to the organizations dedicating their lives to working with/for refugees and fixing our immigration system. I want to empower them to keep doing the work. I also hope to give back directly to Refugee families. These goals will only be possible from new supporters joining the team.
I'm currently at the $216/month
Follow the link below to learn more, or contact me directly with any questions you might have: connect@humanizingthroughstory.org
paypal
Why Supporting Matters
You can read about my home on wheels HERE. I live off my month to month Patreon support and odd jobs/gigs/photo work I find along the way. This pays for gas, phone, groceries, car insurance, and other monthly fees leaving little to no room for emergencies. I live in a OLD van, so breakdowns and maintenance is imminent at most times… Also, please scroll down to see a list of current wants/needs for my photojournalism work and van living!
PATREON UPDATE
I have decided to make all my Patreon posts public for everyone!!
No more locked content, no tiers separating us. Just shared stories, life updates, behind-the-scenes, and hopefully a few meaningful conversations.
If you want to support financially, you still can through Patreon or one-time through Cash App, Givebutter, or Venmo, but it is not required. This space is shifting into something more open, something that fosters connection, access, and support across all kinds of circumstances. You are welcome here no matter what.
You can also contribute to Humanizing Though Story by buying one of our prints
PRINTS