Photos: C. Fletcher Photography.
On the last day of a tragic year, two Charlotteans experiencing homelessness got a break from reality to tie the knot in front of family and friends.
Kelly and Kappon Williams married on New Year’s Eve. They say their relationship is a bright spot in an otherwise challenging time in both of their lives.
How they met: The couple met this winter while they were both living at the tent city encampment just outside of Uptown. Kelly got to tent city after losing her job. Kappon moved there after his parents died.
- The encampment formed during the pandemic and has continued to grow as COVID-19 restrictions lead to widespread job loss and the closure of homeless shelters. [Go deeper]
Kelly and Kappon’s wedding ceremony.
What they say: “There’s something about her,” Kappon said of his new wife. “When I saw her I knew she was the one.”
“He has a big heart. He’s just a great man,” Kelly said.
What’s next: Kelly and Kappon are still living in tent city, but their main priority in 2021 is finding stable work and housing.
Background: Roberta Sa Griner, who along with others helped organize the Williams’ wedding, says her focus is helping those experiencing homelessness get what they need, not what she or others think they need.
- “My main goal is to help as many as we can in (whatever) way that it helps them,” she said.
Here’s a photo gallery of the Williams’ wedding. All photos are courtesy C. Fletcher Photography.
The Williams with family and friends.
The wedding cake.
