Homelessness permeates through many areas of people’s lives and society, impacting health, wellbeing, safety, employment, education, relationships and much more. It is a political, financial, relational and economic issue as well as a legal issue, with local authorities having legal responsibilities around housing and homelessness. The Museum aims to capture this complex web of causation and effect by building a national collection for homelessness, carefully putting together stories and creative events, using belongings donated by the homeless community.
These events and exhibitions help to educate and shift public perceptions around homelessness. The Museum also takes practical action to help the homeless community, as well as carrying out vital research and campaigning work.
Students watched their interactive show ‘How to Survive the Apocalypse,’ described as being ‘about reframing the myths and stereotypes of homelessness and showing that the answers to some of our most pressing problems can often be found with the people at the sharp end of society.’ Some of the students have reflected on their experiences.
Chandrika (LLM student)
Nestled in the heart of the city, this Museum combines art with activism, creating an immersive environment that encourages visitors to confront the multifaceted realities of homelessness. The Museum is not just a collection of artefacts, it also serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and community engagement. It aims to transform the way people think about homelessness, fostering empathy and understanding while amplifying the voices of those affected.
During my visit, I witnessed first-hand the dedication and perseverance behind the Museum’s establishment. Founded in 2015, it emerged from the need for representation and truth in a society often quick to stigmatise. The journey was filled with struggles: initial funding challenges, navigating bureaucratic hurdles, and dealing with public misconceptions about homelessness. Yet through sheer determination and the relentless spirits of its founders and supporters, the museum has emerged as a beacon of hope.
During the show, stories were shared from people who have experienced homelessness and donated belongings to the collection; they narrated the story of the object in the same manner as the owner, in their words and tone, using a technique called headphone verbatim theatre. One donated object was ‘Fred’s trolley’ which had been repaired many times and used during the Covid pandemic to transport drinks and food around the homeless community, as well as being used to transport Fred’s own belongings.
This museum is more than just a place to visit; it is a call to action. As I left, I carried with me not only the stories of others but also a renewed sense of responsibility to advocate for change. Visiting at the Museum of Homelessness was an unforgettable experience, and I encourage everyone to visit and learn about this vital cause.
Nehir (2nd year LLB)
Visiting the Museum of Homelessness with the King’s Legal Clinic was an unforgettable, transformative experience. The only way I can think of describing the atmosphere at Finsbury Park is cathartic. As the Museum team acted out stories from anonymous donors with experience of homelessness, we learned about what it means to ‘belong’ and have belongings. We heard the stories behind donated belongings such as a trolley, a wristband and a bin bag. These belongings helped their owners survive when they did not have a roof over their heads.
Ujjwala (final year LLB)
Visiting the Museum was an enlightening experience that provided profound insights into the realities faced by those experiencing homelessness. Our visit began in the Museum's garden, where we witnessed the dedication to creating a sustainable environment. A tranquil pond served as a focal point for community activities, highlighting the importance of connection and support.
In the garden, we engaged in a reflective discussion about ‘belonging’ and we were encouraged to think of an object that helped us to feel safe. This activity seamlessly transitioned into a poignant narrative about an ordinary trolley that became a vital lifeline for both its owner and the homeless community during the Covid pandemic. We learned how this simple object was crucial in transporting essential resources, underscoring the value of things we often take for granted. As we moved indoors, we viewed an impactful video that presented statistics on homelessness and explored the political factors impacting on this community.
The numerous stories shared throughout the Museum tour were compelling. They were relayed by volunteers who took on the characters of those whose experiences they conveyed. The stories centred around objects that helped members of the homeless community through their time on the streets. Through changes in their demeanour, voice intonation, and accent, the volunteers allowed us to connect authentically with the owners of the objects, emphasising that each homelessness statistic represents real people; their lives, families, and stories.
This experience prompted me to reflect on how easily we can become desensitised to the struggles of the homeless community. Visiting the Museum was profoundly grounding, providing valuable insights into the perspectives of individuals affected. It reignited my passion for advocating for changes to the UK's homelessness laws.