Art program gives homeless a place to create

(27 Nov 2015) LEAD IN: Homeless people in the US city of Boston are finding new ways to express themselves through a weekly art class at a nearby church. Some participants of 'Common Art' at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church even manage to earn a few bucks in the process, selling their artwork for money. STORY-LINE: Chris Haubrich started coming to 'Common Art' and expressing his artistic side around 10 years ago. Back then, he was homeless. In total, he's spent around 23 years on and off the streets. Despite having now found housing, he still regularly comes here to paint. "Homeless life is very hard — it's harsh out there, inclement weather, dangerous people," he says. "But this is a positive energy and it shows people that not all homeless people is bad, they drink and drug. You know, a lot of us are actually trying in life and it refocuses us into something positive and then we move on with our lives to a more positive situation." In this elegant church in one of Boston's most chic shopping districts, homeless people from across the city gather once a week for a chance to express themselves in ways not possible when living on the streets. As winter approaches, attendance at 'Common Art' has increased. Now, as many as 100 homeless and low-income people come to paint, draw, knit, sew, make jewellery or engage in other crafts. It gives them a chance to boost their self-worth and even make a little cash. Some of the art is for sale on racks placed on the sidewalk outside the church. "I think what motivates a lot of individuals to come here is that it's a safe place for them to feel like a part of a family," says artist-in-residence, Heidi Lee. "A lot of members of the homeless community, they do not have family members that support them. "They do not even have friends who often support them and, you know, I think that having a community where they feel loved and they feel that they can meet their artistic potential is very important. "A lot of people struggle with addiction, a lot of people struggle with very bad habits that keep them from getting housing. "And I think that once they feel that they have a loving community that supports them and they recognise their potential as a creator — a maker — I think they see that there is a reason for them to keep fighting, there is a reason for them to fight for housing, there is a reason for them to battle the addictions and all the things that pull them down." It's proved particularly helpful for homeless widow Danita Clark. She says that most importantly it gives her hope. "You can live 10 days without water, 30 days without food, but not one second without hope," she says. 'Common Art' was founded in 1996 when a homeless person told a local pastor that he wanted a place to create. It's now held every Wednesday, without fail, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, even if Christmas Day falls on a Wednesday or during the worst of winter storms. Artistic experience is not necessary. Lee gives any instructional help needed. All are welcome, whether they choose to participate in the art or not. According to a survey by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a single night in January 2015, almost 565,000 people were counted as homeless in the US. Around two thirds (69 percent) were found in emergency shelters or transitional housing programs. Art is just one example of the creative outlets that shelters and homeless organisations are now offering across the US. Several cities have street newspapers, writing and poetry workshops. Dance, aerobics and yoga classes are also offered. "It feels great," he says. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP_Archive Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/APArchives ​​ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/APNews/ You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/...