The Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI) and Dogs Trust have actually partnered to develop a collection of non-stigmatising pictures of dog owners who are likewise experiencing homelessness to help challenge negative stereotypes.
The images, which illustrate individuals experiencing homelessness, with their dogs, in natural and non-stereotypical methods are available to download and are complimentary to utilize. Building on proof connecting to enhancing negative pictures of homelessness, this collection of images holds images that provide an option to the stereotypical representation of a single middle-aged man with a dog on a cold wet pavement, recording a broader breadth of both homelessness and dog ownership in the UK.
The people and their dogs photographed for this collection reside in hostels, bed and breakfast accommodation, and some are ‘sofa surfing.’
Dog ownership among individuals experiencing homelessness has a selection of health and social advantages, consisting of minimizing isolation, seclusion and anxiety. However, pet ownership is likewise thought to perpetuate homelessness, by limiting access to support services. In reality, in a recent research study by Dogs Trust, 70% of homelessness services said that their customers had actually experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services due to the fact that they have a dog.
Dogs Trust offers assistance to dog owners experiencing homelessness through its Hope Project. As well as assisting accommodation service providers to end up being more dog friendly, the Hope Project offers complimentary veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at threat of homelessness, the arrangement of an online directory site of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK, and a Christmas parcel service, where the charity sends dog goodies to homelessness services throughout the nation that support dog owners.
Keiran, who was photographed with their dog Storm, discussed the value of having a family pet: “There have been some tough times and she kept me going. She doesn’t really notice what she means to me, she doesn’t realise what she does. Just her company, going for walks. Having someone to talk to.
“When I am having a dull time or feeling lonely, Storm can sense it. She jumps straight up and gives me a cuddle. She can sense if I am feeling a bit down or not quite with it and she keeps me happy. And she gives me a routine.”
Dr Jenny Stavisky, scientific research study supervisor at VetPartners, who has actually performed research study into the subject of dog ownership and dependency and homelessness, said: “Companion animals have been widely recognised for their ability to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression, while also increasing resilience. Acting as a buffer against stressful life events, the presence of pets has been shown to have a significant positive impact, with studies showing that individuals affected by homelessness who have pets exhibit lower levels of depression and loneliness compared to those without.
“This highlights the crucial role that companion animals can play in providing emotional support and fostering a sense of connection for those facing the challenges of homelessness.”
Dr Ligia Teixeira, president of the Centre for Homelessness Impact, included: “Our collection of images underscores the profound significance of dog ownership in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. These images hold the power to transform public perceptions by showcasing the authentic faces and stories of homelessness, diverging from outdated stereotypes.
“By portraying the reality of homelessness with respect and realism, we aim to dismantle misconceptions and foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by individuals. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to those who bravely participated in this initiative, united in our mission to combat stigma and promote empathy through compelling evidence.”
Radi Ivanov from the Hope Project at Dog’s Trust, said: “We’re thrilled to have collaborated with the Centre for Homelessness Impact to add photographs of some of the people we support on the Hope Project and their dogs to this library of images.
“Dogs can be a lifeline for people experiencing homelessness and provide much needed comfort and stability, often being crucial for their mental, physical health and recovery. We know dog owners experiencing homelessness would often make sure their pets’ needs are met before their own, and we hope these evidence-led images will help tackle some of the misconceptions about homelessness and dog ownership.”
The image library, which was introduced by the Centre for Homelessness Impact in January includes numerous images which intend to reveal homelessness reasonably, and respectfully. This was attained by dealing with individuals with direct experience of homelessness to specify the quick for each shoot, developing a set of initial pictures of individuals experiencing homelessness.
The bulk of the images in this library were taken by Jeff Hubbard – a professional photographer with personal experiences of homelessness. Jeff hung around sleeping on the streets, and started discovering photography methods through the homelessness charity Crisis. He now works as a freelance professional photographer, and continues to run photography workshops at Crisis.
