This project was inspired by its first photographer, Gafri. During a conversation about why people seem to believe that homelessness doesn’t exist here in York Region, he said “give me a camera, I’ll show them”. The Krasman Centre, in partnership with the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness began this project inspired by Photovoice, a participant action research method that puts cameras into the hands of those with lived experience to document their voices in efforts for social change. Over eighteen months, many, many cameras were handed out to people who identified as being either homeless or at-risk through the Street Outreach Van and other services. We received twenty-five cameras back. Some photographers included narratives, some agreed to be interviewed, and others provided only the camera, letting the photos speak for themselves. A small group of photographers met over the summer of 2008 to create Hidden From Sight: Living Homeless in York Region, a visual exhibit committed to honouring the voice of those with lived experience and creating social change.
This exhibit is the work of individuals with lived experience of homelessness and risk of homelessness. Please respect the integrity of the artists. Feel free to mention the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness and link to this page or directly to their site. The photos are not to be changed or altered in any way or used commercially. Thank you for your interest in this important issue.
For more information visit the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness Photo Gallery
