Surrey Youth Promote Dignity for People Experiencing Homelessness

Surrey, B.C. – Surrey has launched the Dignity Project – a public awareness campaign that seeks to promote dignity for community members experiencing homelessness. The Dignity Project provides exciting opportunities for the Surrey community to show their support through participating in two creative initiatives: the #LookintheMirror photo challenge and the CARES public art mural.

“The Dignity Project brings the Surrey community together to show their support for those who are unhoused,” said Mayor Brenda Locke. “Housing is an issue that many people are struggling with and this project focuses on how everyone can help support individuals who are experiencing homelessness. I would like to commend and thank the Surrey Youth who contributed to this project for their enthusiasm and creative input.”

Designed by a group of youth changemakers in Surrey, The Dignity Project encourages the community to create a caring and inclusive community for all. Through a series of workshops, the youth discussed concepts of home, homelessness, and ethical storytelling to develop ideas for a public awareness campaign.

The community is invited to participate in The Dignity Project’s two key initiatives:

• #LookintheMirror kiosks are displayed in key community spaces to encourage people to stop and reflect on their own biases. Kiosks will be located at Central City Mall, Guildford Recreation Centre, Semiahmoo Library and North Surrey Sport & Ice Complex throughout summer 2023. The community is invited to post photos of themselves with the kiosks using the hashtag #LookintheMirror to be part of the positive dialogue with friends and family and promote dignity for all community members.  A post also allows people to claim a spot on the CARES mural.
• Claim a spot on the CARES mural by completing an act of caring. The CARES mural is a public art installation that aims to Create Awareness and Respect for Everyone in Surrey (CARES) that will be installed at Guildford Recreation Centre and Central City Mall. The mural is being designed by up-and-coming local artist Paige Jung and will feature representations of the acts of caring completed by Surrey community members during the CARES challenges.

The Dignity Project started the week of May 23, 2023, and will run throughout the summer months. Learn more about the project, including how to participate in the community initiatives, on the campaign website at dignityprojectsurrey.ca.