Case Study: Health Equity & Housing Insecurity
Client: Impact Services (impactservices.org)
Focus: Veteran Health Equity & Qualitative Storytelling
Deliverables: Documentary Film, Documentary Photography, Qualitative Research, Interview & Design Research
The Context
Discussions surrounding veteran health and attaining health equity are often driven by statistics, which can inadvertently obscure the lived experiences of the individuals behind the numbers. When military personnel transition to the civilian world, the sudden loss of institutional support systems—such as healthcare access—can create profound navigational challenges. Impact Services needed a way to translate these systemic issues into a resonant, human-centered narrative.
The Approach
Stemstories utilized documentary storytelling directly as a qualitative research tool. Rather than producing a standard corporate overview, the strategy centered on an immersive “day in the life” framework to capture the authentic, day-to-day realities of veteran life post-service.
The project involved comprehensive photo and design research, alongside in-depth interviews, to build trust and uncover the deeper narrative. The resulting focus was on Maurice Tiggett, a veteran navigating the complexities of fatherhood, civilian life in Kensington, Philadelphia, and the psychological shift from a highly structured military environment to sudden independence.
The Execution
- Qualitative Research & Interviews: Conducted extensive groundwork with Impact Services to map the psychological and logistical barriers to health equity for veterans.
- Documentary Photography: Captured stark, high-contrast stills that serve as a visual ethnography of the veteran experience, anchoring the data in reality.
- “Day in the Life” Film: Produced a short documentary highlighting the contrast between institutional military life and the vulnerability of the civilian world. By focusing on intimate, quiet moments—like playing video games with a child and reflecting on the shifting definition of family—the film grounds broad public health concepts in a deeply personal story.
The Impact
Service and Shelter moves beyond quantitative data to provide a visceral look at the veteran experience. By leveraging visual mediums for qualitative research, Stemstories delivered a narrative asset that allows Impact Services to show the human story behind the statistics, fostering deeper empathy and a clearer understanding of the barriers to veteran health equity.
stem stories 