Homelessness in Victoria

This is a sculptural piece created by Tyler Hodgins, as part of a larger show called Throw Down at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. It is made of ice and a water soluble pigment, and represents a homeless person in a sleeping bag. This one was on Fisgard Street, in chinatown but each Saturday he places them in a different location. I love art that stops you in your tracks and makes you think. Homelessness is an issue in Victoria as in most urban centers the world over. There is some good work being done, and this photo to the left is one example that gives me hope. This beautiful building, located at 950 Humboldt Street, houses people with addictions or mental illness who have been chronically homeless for more than a year. Built by Pacifica Housing, they are an incredible organization working to make a difference in our community. - Fern