Published on April 6, 2026
Boston Globe staff photographer Erin Clark has been recognized as a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in Feature Photography for her powerful work documenting the struggles of the Lupien family. Patrick and Mariah LeMieux-Lupien, together with their children, faced the harsh realities of eviction in Biddeford, Maine. Their story shines a light on a growing crisis in America: housing insecurity and the often-hidden plight of the working homeless.
The Lupien family knew their eviction was imminent, a situation that Mariah candidly described as a matter of basic math. Despite Patrick’s steady salary of $40,000 a year, they found themselves trapped in a cycle of financial instability. The family’s journey over the following six months revealed the often overlooked challenges faced families, as they transitioned from living in their apartment to staying at a campground, before finally seeking refuge in homeless shelters.
As Erin Clark captured their experience through her lens, she illustrated not just the physical dislocation, but the emotional turmoil that accompanies such hardship. The images presented the anxiety and fear that loom over a family struggling to maintain stability in an uncertain environment. Her work not only highlights the Lupien family’s personal journey but also serves as a poignant commentary on the broader issues of housing inequality and the economic hardships faced across the nation.
Eventually, the family secured a permanent home, but their journey through various temporary arrangements highlighted a stark reality: many families in America find themselves on the precipice of financial collapse, a situation that echoes through countless communities. Clark’s intimate photography exposes the emotional weight of their struggle while emphasizing the importance of addressing systemic issues related to housing and economic disparity.
This distinction as a Pulitzer finalist underscores the importance of journalism in shedding light on critical social issues, reminding audiences of the resilience of families navigating the complexities of modern life and the urgent need for solutions to housing insecurity. Erin Clark’s compelling work fosters greater understanding and empathy, ensuring that the stories of families like the Lupien’s are heard and acknowledged.
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