“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.”
Traditionally, dog ownership can likewise develop barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness when it concerns accessing assistance services.
A study from Dogs Trust discovered that 70% of homelessness services said their customers had actually experienced barriers when accessing help due to the fact that of their canine buddies. As well as dealing with problems discovering safe, dog-friendly accommodation, dog owners without a home can likewise deal with severe problem in finding veterinary treatment when their buddies are feeling badly.
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Dogs Trust runs The Hope Project to supply assistance to dog owners experiencing or at threat of homelessness, through a network of veterinary practices happy to supply complimentary care. They likewise support homelessness services ending up being dog-friendly, in a quote to keep individuals and their family pets together when making an application for emergency situation accommodation.
‘’We’re enjoyed have actually teamed up with the Centre for Homelessness Impact to include pictures of a few of individuals we support on the Hope Project and their dogs to this library of images,” said Radi Ivanov from the Hope Project at Dogs Trust.
“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.
Most of the photos in the series were taken by Jeff Hubbard, a photographer with his own personal experience of homelessness. After spending time sleeping rough on the streets, Hubbard learned photography with the help of homeless charity Crisis, where he now runs photography workshops for others.
“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the power to transform public perceptions by showcasing the authentic faces and stories of homelessness, diverging from outdated stereotypes,” said Dr Ligia Teixeira, president of Centre for Homelessness Impact.
“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.”
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