I rarely saw kids in the shelter play. Shelter life is a serious game. This baby waits anxiously for his mama to take him to bed. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago. 1999

Donna Ferrato's 1999 black and white photograph "I rarely saw kids in the shelter play. Shelter life is a serious game. This baby waits anxiously for his mama to take him to bed. Olive Branch Mission, Chicago." captures the harsh reality of life in a shelter. The image features a young boy wrapped in a towel, standing alone in a hallway, waiting patiently. The bunk beds and other children visible in the background highlight the crowded conditions of the shelter and the innocence of the children living there. Ferrato's work, often documenting social issues and vulnerable communities, showcases the emotional impact of poverty and homelessness on children. This photograph, part of the "Shelter" series, is a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and support for families in need.