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Our Stories, Our Art: Voices of the Unhoused

September 9, 2025

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By Ewa Chwojko-Srawley

On September 3 the Link was alive with colour, creativity, and conversation, as a crowd gathered for Our Stories, Our Art. The exhibition offered a moving glimpse into the lives of 25 Sutton residents who have the experience of being unhoused. They shared their journeys of struggle and hope through painting, writing, and storytelling.

The event was spearheaded by Shirley Woods, a mental health educator and volunteer, with support from a Quick Action Grant through Routes Connecting Communities.

Woods explained that the goal was to challenge stereotypes and reduce stigma. She says, “People often say ‘homeless,’ but we use the term ‘unhoused,’ because everyone has a home—whether it’s a car, or a tent.”

Over four weeks, participants explored art as a tool for self-expression. For Patricia, who joined through the Getting Ahead program, it was a new experience. “I’m not an artist, so I was nervous,” she admits. “But I love nature, so my work is full of trees, water, and colour. Creating my piece helped me bring out something I never knew I had inside. It was calming. My daughter, who’s an artist, will be proud of me.”

Carleen, another participant, created both a painting and a powerful written piece called From Ashes to Beauty. Her artwork carries deep symbolism: sunlight as hope through turmoil, a rock as a cornerstone of her faith, and a heart as a reminder of love.

She says, “Every piece validates and affirms who we are. Too often, people see those in shelters as statistics, but we are people with families, with histories, with dignity. My art reminds me that even when I hit rock bottom, my disability does not define me. I can still shine, and I can still make a difference.”

She adds, “My work is about love. I want to embrace my community in a non-judgmental way.”

The event also included youth from the local shelter, who added their voices to the conversation about hardship, resilience, and dreams for the future. A common theme emerged in many of the works: moving from darkness to light.

The participants are eager to see the event come back. Woods noted, “we would love to continue. Art gave the participants a way to be heard, to be seen, and to be respected.”

One participant, Daryl, summed it up: “Even when the going gets rough, don’t give up; never, never give up!”

Those words, like the art itself, carried the spirit of the day — resilience and hope.