The Centre for Homelessness Impact and Dogs Trust have partnered to create a collection of non-stigmatising images of dog owners who are also experiencing homelessness to challenge negative stereotypes.
Dog ownership amongst people experiencing homelessness has an array of health and social benefits, including reducing loneliness, isolation and depression. But pet ownership is also believed to perpetuate homelessness by restricting access to support services.
In a recent study by Dogs Trust, 70 per cent of homelessness services said that their clients had experienced barriers for accessing homelessness services because they have a dog.
The Big Issue highlighted this problem in a recent canine-centric issue, with features covering housing discrimination against disabled people with assistance dogs and the story of John Chadwick, who died by suicide after being forced to choose between his pets and a home.
Dogs Trust provides support to dog owners experiencing homelessness through its Hope Project.
As well as helping accommodation providers to become more dog-friendly, the Hope Project provides free veterinary treatment to dogs whose owners are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and an online directory of dog-friendly homelessness services in the UK.
It also provides a Christmas parcel service, sending out canine goodies to homelessness services across the country that support dog owners.
Keiran, who was photographed with Storm, spoke about the importance of having a 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, clinical research Manager at VetPartners, has produced research on dog ownership, addiction and homelessness. “Companion animals have been widely recognised for their ability to alleviate feelings of loneliness, isolation and depression, while also increasing resilience,” she 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, chief executive of the Centre for Homelessness Impact, agrees.
“Our collection of images underscores the profound significance of dog ownership in the lives of those experiencing homelessness,” she said. “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 added: ‘’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 launched by the Centre for Homelessness Impact in January contains hundreds of images that aim to depict homelessness realistically and respectfully by working with people with lived experience to define the brief for each shoot.
Most were taken by Jeff Hubbard – a photographer with lived of street homelessness who began learning photography techniques through the homelessness charity Crisis. He now works as a freelance photographer and runs photography workshops at Crisis.
Courtesy of the Centre for Homelessness Impact (CHI) / the International Network of Street Papers (INSP)