Staying dry and safe can be difficult for those who live without shelter.
Working at Goodwill, I see and deal with a lot of people who are less fortunate or those who are homeless. I see their struggles and needs on a weekly basis. In certain areas in Bellingham, I see a lot of syringes left out in public areas, from parking lots to playgrounds. It’s disheartening to see especially when having a child of my own who is playing at that very playground. So how can I help the less fortunate while also helping those closest to us?
preliminary research
interviews
In beginning my research, I traveled around Bellingham in hopes of interviewing some homeless people. I found myself at Maritime Heritage Park where I met Jose at Safe Storage PNW. Safe Storage PNW is a project run by Basics PNW, a non-profit organization. They hand out free clothes and provide lockers for the homeless in the area.
Jose is an ex-homeless man who volunteers at Safe Storage PNW. He knows firsthand what it’s like to be on the streets. He took me to The Lighthouse Mission Drop-In Center down a couple blocks, where those in need have a place to stay. They offer a mattress, on a first come first serve basis, and offer meals daily. This is where I met Neil, a “canner”; a homeless man who collects cans and scraps of metal for money. Both Jose and Neil gave me insight on what homeless people carry and struggle with.
Jose is an ex-homeless man who volunteers at Safe Storage PNW. He knows firsthand what it’s like to be on the streets. He took me to The Lighthouse Mission Drop-In Center down a couple blocks, where those in need have a place to stay. They offer a mattress, on a first come first serve basis, and offer meals daily. This is where I met Neil, a “canner”; a homeless man who collects cans and scraps of metal for money. Both Jose and Neil gave me insight on what homeless people carry and struggle with.
prototypes
final process
