New videos aim to humanise homeless crisis

Eddie, who was homeless for 26 years before finding shelter and support to get off the street with homeless charity Glass Door, features in the first film by new video project Homeless Stories. Says Eddie: 

“One act of kindness can change somebody. It’s like throwing a pebble in a river; you don’t know where the ripple ends.”

Eddie and six others have already shared their stories, captured by award-winning photo journalist and film-maker Hazel Thompson. A new story will be featured each week through Homeless Stories’ Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channels.

The project was conceived by Glenn Cooper, Senior Director of Business Development at Universal Music, and Dave Graham, Founder of Crossfire Productions. Together they decided to combine their knowledge of engaging audiences through emotive story-telling to take a different approach to raising awareness of the homelessness epidemic.

The statistics can make the problem seem overwhelming. Figures published by the government at the beginning of 2018 showed that rough sleeping in England has increased for the seventh consecutive year, with an estimated 4,751 people sleeping rough in 2017, a 15% increase from the previous year.

The founders of Homeless Stories are looking to humanise the issue by allowing individuals affected by homelessness to tell their own stories. “Our goal is to work with a different local UK charity each month and raise awareness of their ongoing efforts with the homeless in their own communities by providing a platform for them to tell their story,” says Dave Graham.

Each of the videos will be featured across social media and video platforms, but the primary focus will be on Facebook and Instagram. Videos on Facebook will feature a ‘Donate’ button allowing people to support each of the local charities Homeless Stories are supporting directly through the platform.

The founders hope that through the power of commenting and sharing on these platforms, new audiences can be engaged on a global level, whilst also helping affect change in local communities.   

“By shining a light on the great work these local charities are doing, we aim to help raise awareness and also raise funds through donations. Each video interview will allow the individual to tell their personal story, and provide an honest account of how the local charity has offered support, hopefully delivering a positive message and showing that there is a potential solution with the support of local communities,” says Glenn Cooper.

Glass Door says the project is a good example of how individuals from different sectors can work together to help end homelessness. “The rise in homelessness is our great national shame,” says Melissa Kerschen, Glass Door’s senior communications manager. “We all can play a part in ending homelessness, and we face the best odds for success when we work together,” says Melissa.

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