STRATFORD – In communities across Perth-Huron and beyond, the issue of homelessness has become more visible as the pandemic continues to impact the lives of vulnerable people. To help raise awareness and deepen local understanding of this pressing issue, United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research & Planning Council (SRPC) is holding a Zoom event entitled “Faces of Homelessness” on Jan. 27 from 12-1:30 p.m.
“Homelessness is an incredibly important issue in our communities,” said SRPC Director Joelle Lamport-Lewis. “We wanted to create an event that really humanizes the issue for people and gives them the information they need to understand more about what those experiencing homelessness go through on a daily basis.”
Faces of Homelessness will feature three different components for attendees of the virtual event.
Keynote speaker Leah den Bok will share stories and photographs of the people experiencing homelessness she has met in major cities around the world with a special emphasis on how COVID-19 has increased the struggles of already vulnerable people. A fashion, beauty and portrait photographer, Leah’s book entitled, Nowhere to Call Home: Photographs and Stories of People Experiencing Homelessness, Volume Four, was recently published by Europe Books. To view some of Leah’s work and learn more about the event, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
Attendees will also get a sneak peak at the documentary, Us & Them, following co-director Krista Loughton’s 10-year journey exploring the worlds of four people struggling with homelessness – Dawnelda, Stan, Eddie and Karen – who she attempts to help. After the preview of Us & Them, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Beth Blowes and featuring local experts: Erin Schooley (County of Huron Social and Property Services), Grant Martin (City of Stratford), Cody Cunningham (Family Services Perth-Huron), Kate Ballagh-Steeper (Lakeshore United Church) and Cheri Leyten (Huron Turning Point).
To attend, RSVP by emailing lthomson@perthhuron.unitedway.ca or call the United Centre in Stratford at 519-271-7730 or 1-877-818-8867.
About Leah den Bok
Leah is a fashion, beauty and portrait photographer. For the past six years, she has been travelling to cities throughout the world such as Toronto, New York, Washington D.C., Los Angeles and Brisbane, photographing people experiencing homelessness and recording their stories.
