Housing First Ōtautahi World Homeless Day Photovoice Exhibition

Published on 14th of October, 2022

Only those who have experienced the insecurity and vulnerability of homelessness can tell the story. As such, Housing First Ōtautahi marked World Homeless Day with an exhibition of photos taken by people who live on the streets themselves.

The photovoice exhibition showed the reality of life on the streets, as well as the humanity and compassion the homeless often show one another. Tūranga Library hosted the exhibition and it will be on display at other Christchurch libraries and the Civic Offices in the new year.

The exhibition opening included comments from Associate Professor Dr Nevil Pierse, who leads the University of Otago’s Ending Homelessness in New Zealand: Housing First research programme. CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey told the gathering the exhibition was about enabling people to tell their own stories about the impact of homelessness on their lives. “While some of the stories are of despair, what has struck me through this exhibition is the amazing resilience of people, of the power that comes through personal connections and the hope that is found in the everyday, whether it be in the relationships which have been built, the offer of a home or the healing beauty of the natural environment.”

The exhibition aligned with the aim of World Homeless Day, that being to not only shine a light on the lives of people experiencing homelessness but to develop awareness of the fact that homelessness is something that could happen to anyone.

Since its inception in mid-2018, Housing First Ōtautahi has provided housing and ongoing support for over 250 people, changing their lives for the better. You can view the exhibition photographs and accompanying videos online through the link below.

Click here to view the Housing First Ōtautahi WHD Photovoice Exhibition