Homelessness Action Now: Highlighting Humanity Through Portraits

Every year, Homelessness Week is observed across Australia to raise awareness about the critical issue of homelessness. This year, the week runs from 5 – 11 August, focusing on the theme ‘Homelessness Action Now.’

Homelessness is a pressing issue in Australia, affecting over 120,000 people on any given night. This figure includes people who are sleeping rough, staying in temporary accommodation, or living in overcrowded housing. These numbers highlight the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to address the root causes of homelessness, such as the lack of affordable housing, mental health issues, and economic hardship.

Homelessness Week is more than just a time to discuss statistics; it is an opportunity to humanise the issue and inspire collective action. This week, our College hosted a special portrait exhibition that highlighted the stories of individuals who have experienced homelessness. It is all too common for people to rush past the homeless without acknowledging them, reinforcing the misconception that homelessness is an unsolvable problem.

To challenge these perceptions, photographer Phil England’s ‘Eye Contact’ series, created in collaboration with Rotary Club of Heirisson, aims to highlight the humanity of homeless individuals through art. This collection features 20 large portraits of homeless Western Australians, each one captivating viewers with a direct gaze. Accompanying these portraits are brief stories that share insights into their lives, serving as a powerful reminder of our shared humanity.

The exhibition emphasises that behind every statistic is a real person with a unique story. Students engaged with the exhibition, taking time to connect with the individuals in these portraits and reflecting on how we can address homelessness within our community.