Photovoice

The Challenge

How can we continue to ensure that our work is informed by the voices and experiences of people with lived experience and how can these voices help raise awareness of homelessness in York Region? One opportunity emerged in 2007 during a conversation about why people seem to believe that homelessness doesn’t exist here. Gafri – one of the first individuals involved in this project said “give me a camera and I’ll show them”.

Our Response

The Krasman Centre, in partnership with the York Region Alliance to End Homelessness began the Hidden in Plain Sight project inspired by photovoice, a participant action research method that puts cameras in the hands of those with lived experience to document their voices in efforts for social change.

The voices heard through this photo exhibit provide a glimpse into some perspectives of homelessness, hidden homelessness and risk of homelessness. They do not represent all the voices of those impacted by the affordable housing crisis in York Region.
We have been very grateful for the opportunity to partner with a number of organizations who have agreed to host this exhibit.

• Frederick Varley Art Gallery, Markham
• Georgina Art Centre and Gallery, Sutton
• Town of Newmarket
• The Olive Branch Community Church, Markham
• Eleanor Winter’s Gallery, York University
• Latcham Gallery, Stouffville (January 2010)

We are also appreciative of the extensive support received from the Regional Municipality of York, United Way of York Region and York University’s Knowledge Mobilization Summer Internship Program who made this exhibit possible.

Soundtrack courtesy of Jesse Cook "Homebound" from the Rumba Foundation 2009 EMI Music Canada

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 our 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.

Click here to view the Photovoice Photo Gallery