Phoenix-area exhibit puts a face to homelessness
Nov 3, 2016, 5:07 AM | Updated: 8:04 am
(Robin Finlinson)
(Robin Finlinson)
CHANDLER, Ariz. — A new exhibit presents an eye-opening look at homelessness in Chandler.
The exhibition, “Portraits of Homelessness,” features pictures of the homeless within the city and allows them to tell their stories to visitors.
“Some of their stories talk about why they’re homeless,” said Chandler City Councilmember Kevin Hartke, who helped organize the exhibit.
“Some of their stories talk about how they got out of being homeless or things they wish people would know about them.”
Hartke said in some pictures, it may be tough to tell if that person is homeless. He hoped visitors will be moved to compassion by the exhibit instead of suspicion and judgment.
“It’s our goal to change people’s mental image of what a homeless person is and how they got homeless,” Hartke said.
The exhibition features pictures and stories of homeless individuals who are part of the Interfaith Homeless Emergency Lodging System (I-HELP).
Hartke said in Chandler, 18 faith communities open their doors to the homeless every night on a rotating basis.
The exhibition at the Vision Gallery, located on the first floor of City Hall, was scheduled to run Nov. 3-12.
