Support Humanizing Through Story
Since 2016, I’ve been documenting urgent stories and investing in communities across the U.S., using my camera to amplify voices often overlooked. Through protest movements, refugee camps, environmental defense, and mutual aid networks, I strive to tell human-centered stories with depth, care, and consistency.
As an independent photojournalist and documentarian, I’m not tied to any outlet. That freedom allows me to show up when it matters most, build long-term relationships, and focus on storytelling that prioritizes dignity and justice over headlines and clicks.
If you believe in the power of visual storytelling to advocate for change, you can make a one-time donation below. Your support helps cover ongoing travel, equipment, supplies, and the many unseen costs of independent journalism.
I’m now using Givebutter to make one-time contributions easier and more transparent. You can donate directly through the form to the right. If you prefer, you can also give via:
Venmo: @humanizingthroughstory or @Jon_Stegenga ( to avoids “Business Fees”)
CashApp: $yourstorymatters
MAKE A DONATION TO HTS TODAY!!
Monthly Patreon Support
GOAL: $2k montHly
Currently : $465 monthly
You can be part of the Patreon community, either for free or by joining a monthly tier starting at just $3.50.
Patreon members get access to behind-the-scenes stories from the road, travel tips, exclusive journalism updates, gifts at select tiers, and more.
Everything I’ve created over the past five years and counting has been possible because of the people who support me here. Every story, every mile, every project exists thanks to this community. If you're already a patron, thank you. If you're thinking about joining, I’d truly love to have you along.
Right now, the community is at $465 per month and growing. I’d love for you to be part of it.
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.
FEB 2026 PATREON GIVEAWAY!
As a way to give back, anyone who joins Patreon at any paid level, or current supporters who increase their monthly support or get someone to join at a paid level through the month of February will be entered to win prints from a local Minnesota artist, along with one of my own photo prints and some other items we’re collecting. If you’re a current Patreon supporter and get someone else to join, make sure they mention you in a message to me so you can be entered, and if you both increase your support and get someone to join, you’ll be entered twice!
You can also contribute to Humanizing Though Story by buying one of our prints
PRINTS