A public awareness campaign that aims to promote dignity for those in Surrey who are experiencing homelessness is challenging community residents “to stop and reflect on their own biases.”
#LookintheMirror – in which people are encouraged to take photos of themselves at pop-up displays located in sites including Semiahmoo Library and Central City Mall, then post them using the hashtag – is one of two initiatives of the Dignity Project.
“These mirror displays prompt us to reflect on our assumptions of people experiencing homelessness and to find and share information about how promoting dignity for all community members makes Surrey a more inclusive and livable city,” information at dignityprojectsurrey.ca explains.
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“Whatever the reason someone experiences homelessness, everyone deserves to be treated with respect and dignity,” site information continues.
“Understanding that homelessness can happen to anyone is the first step in creating dignity for all members of our community.”
Those who post a #LookintheMirror photo – kiosks are also located at Guildford Recreation Centre and the North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex – may then claim a spot in the project’s second initiative: a CARES mural.
The public art installation celebrating acts of caring in Surrey “embodies the idea that we must Create Awareness and Respect for Everyone in Surrey.”
The mural is being designed by local artist Paige Jung and will be installed at both Guildford Recreation Centre and Central City Mall.
Other CARES challenges that may be undertaken to register a spot on the mural include organizing a food or clothing drive, creating toiletry kits and donating directly to a local non-profit.
The Dignity Project was designed by youth following a series of workshops where concepts of home, homelessness and ethical storytelling were discussed. The idea is to bring the community together to “encourage awareness and dialogue on how we create a safer and more inclusive city by promoting dignity for all community members.”
In a news release, Mayor Brenda Locke described housing as “an issue that many people are struggling with.”
The Dignity Project “focuses on how everyone can help support individuals who are experiencing homelessness,” Locke said. She commended the youth who contributed to the campaign for their enthusiasm and creative input.
Launched the week of May 23, the Dignity Project is to run throughout the summer.
For more information, visit dignityprojectsurrey.ca
tracy.holmes@peacearchnews.com
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