Empowering the Homeless Through Art

Homelessness has been an ongoing issue in society. However, amongst this struggle, a powerful force emerges to improve the homeless community: art. Art is a powerful form of communication that holds the ability to empower the homeless, providing them with a voice, a purpose, and an opportunity to rebuild their lives. In this article, we explore the transformative impact of art and the community initiatives that work towards making this change.

Use of Art in Health Promotion

Art therapy has been an effective approach to expressing thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Since 1940, art has been used as a health promotion strategy and has been found to improve the health status of homeless youth and young adults who suffer as a result of social and structural imbalances. Through the use of art, individuals can confront and face their thoughts and emotions. Studies have shown that expression through art can help others clear their mind and cope with anxiety and stress. Art has a remarkable way of connecting the world and allowing individuals to express themselves. As a result of these positive effects, art is a powerful tool for self-care and mental health.

Illuminating the Will to Live

In one case, art has helped an Edmonton woman, Madeline LeBlanc, overcome homelessness. After LeBlanc was diagnosed with schizophrenia, a critical mental disorder in which people conceive reality abnormally, she began living in Edmonton shelters. However, through the influence of art, she was able to reassert control of her life, with the desire to be an artist at a young age. At the age of 18, LeBlanc was forced out of her childhood home, and later, when trying to finish high school, she was diagnosed with a medical condition. However, with the help of Youth Empowerment Support Services, a shelter in Edmonton, LeBlanc was motivated to hold an art show at the shelter. She expressed that art kept her mind active and helped with her disorder. LeBlanc stated, “It gave me hope” (Harrap, 2022). Although she was unable to afford the canvas or paint that she needed to create the large-scale paintings she desired, she persisted and decided to use other unique materials including her own bedsheets and crayons. Now, LeBlanc is studying for a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Alberta and strives towards her goal of being an artist. Notably, this occurrence inspires and encourages others to persist and reach for their dreams. This case proves the empowering ability of art and invites homeless shelters to continue proceeding with art programs to inspire others.

StreetHeart

Furthermore, StreetHeart is a multichannel service that stands out as a form of assistance for the homeless. Streetheart allows the underprivileged to submit various types of artwork that would subsequently be displayed on LED screens throughout the city once approved. This acts as a form of expression, with the ability to reach larger audiences and raise awareness for the homeless community. Passerbys are able to immediately show support by pressing the heart button embedded in the display and additionally purchase artworks through online stores. Ultimately, StreetHeart not only helps the homeless gain a sense of esteem and pride but also strengthens the bond between homeless communities and society. In the end, this service provides the opportunity for more homeless individuals to discover the influence of art and take control of their own lives.

References

Art for Self-Care and Mental Health | The Whole U. (2022, April 11). Art For Self-Care and Mental Health | the Whole U. https://thewholeu.uw.edu/2022/04/11/art-for-self-care-and-mental-health/

“It gave me hope”: Art helps Edmonton woman overcome homelessness | CBC News. (n.d.). CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/it-gave-me-hope-art-helps-edmonton-woman-overcome-homelessness-1.6332110

Nyamathi, A., Slagle, A., Thomas, A., Hudson, A., Khalilifard, F., Avila, G., Orser, J., & Cuchilla, M. (n.d.). Art Messaging as a Medium to Engage Homeless Young Adults Art Messaging as a Medium to Engage Homeless Youth. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1353/cpr.2011.0012

StreetHeart: Empowering Homeless Through Art and Technology | The Homeless Hub. (2017, January 1). StreetHeart: Empowering Homeless Through Art and Technology | the Homeless Hub. https://www.homelesshub.ca/resource/streetheart-empowering-homeless-through-art-and-technology