Exhibition depicting Geraldton homelessness shown at Canberra's Parliament House
The exhibition captures the stories of people experiencing homelessness in Geraldton. (Supplied: Trevor Pickett)
In short:
The Journey of Belongings exhibition was shown on a national stage at Canberra's Parliament House for a homelessness advocacy summit.
The series of portraits revealed the life and journey of people in Geraldton who had experienced homelessness.
What's next?
Centacare senior support worker Michelle Hall hopes the images will start conversations about the need for further support.
Intimate portraits depicting homelessness in Western Australia's Midwest have been spotlighted on a national stage at Canberra Parliament House.
The Journey of Belongings exhibition, started by outreach service Centacare's Housing First team, displayed the powerful stories of people living on the streets of Geraldton, about 400 kilometres north of Perth.
Centacare senior support worker Michelle Hall said the project aimed to spread awareness of the growing impact the housing crisis had on the region.
Robert, who has experienced homelessness in Geraldton, had his portrait taken for the exhibition. (Supplied: Centacare/ Trevor Pickett)
Breaking the stigma
Created for Homelessness Week in August, 19 portraits were captured to shed light on those living in the shadows.
"When you actually see a photo in front of you with their story, it's more than just somebody you walk past on the street,"Ms Hall said.
"[This exhibit] is really opening the eyes to the community that everyone has a story and everybody deserves to belong."
The exhibit followed the stories of people who have been provided services by Centacare in Geraldton. (Supplied: Centacare/ Trevor Pickett)
Ms Hall said the housing crisis was forcing people onto the streets, but stigma was still rife in the community.
"There is a housing shortage … we've found a lot of new people are in situations without a roof over their head for the first time," she said.
"There's no set image of someone who is homeless; it can be an individual, right through to families.
"If you do see someone rough sleeping, it's OK to say hello and check in to make sure they're OK."
Two men who have experienced homelessness in Geraldton. (Supplied: Centacare/ Trevor Pickett)
Photographer Trevor Pickett, commissioned by Centacare to take the portraits, said the experience revealed to him how widespread homelessness was.
"It was quite an eye-opener for me because I didn't realise how many people were in those types of situations," he said.
Trevor Pickett says the project exposed him to the prevalence of homelessness. (ABC Midwest & Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis)
Mr Pickett said people felt comfortable opening up to him about their story.
"It's incredible what they've pushed through … it's pretty impressive," he said.
"Even after the little exhibition, the people [I took photos of] came up to me and would say, 'Man, those photos are perfect.'"
Michelle Hall (right) with colleagues at the exhibition showing at Parliament House. (Supplied: Centacare)
Exhibit goes national
In October, Centacare was invited by the Catholic Social Services of Australia to show the exhibition in Canberra for the parliamentary advocacy summit.
The images were unveiled alongside discussions of homelessness and the future of social services.
Ms Hall says she hopes the exhibition brings more awareness to the effects of homelessness. (Supplied: Centacare/ Trevor Pickett)
Ms Hall said there was still more awareness and investment needed for the sector.
"Each portrait in the exhibition highlights where someone's been and that we still have a lot left to do in the space of homelessness and housing," she said.
"We've definitely seen an increase [in homelessness] in Geraldton.
"I just want to keep those conversations going because it won't go away if we just ignore the situation."
The exhibition was created to bring people who experience homelessness front of mind. (Supplied: Centacare/ Trevor Pickett)