(CBS DETROIT) – Covenant House Michigan has been working to provide shelter to Detroit youth experiencing homelessness for nearly three decades.
Covenant House residents are between the ages of 18 and 24 and all have housing needs, but the reasons for this are unique to each individual on campus.
Being vulnerable and talking openly about your experiences with homelessness is hard enough, and some of the youth staying at Covenant House are turning their own stories into art. Not only does it allow them to confront their own truths, it also gives outsiders a glimpse into what it’s like to be in their shoes.
Make that “A Mile in Our Sneakers,” the name of the upcoming art installation at one of Michigan’s largest venues, Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize. These designs tell stories that are often hard to put into words, like Desiariyah’s experiences with bullying during her transition as a transgender woman.
“My shoe is really based on my experience as a transgender woman, how I am as a person as well. Not just being transgender, but as a human being, figuring out who I really am,” Desiariyah said.
Tysia, another resident, designed her sneaker to openly talk about her mental health.
“I said, ‘No matter what emotions you’re feeling, you’re still strong.’ And on this side, I said, ‘Nobody’s perfect. Nobody’s worthless. We’re all unique.’ It helps me realize and know that I’m not alone, and I’m not perfect, but I’m unique. I want other people to think that about themselves, too,” she said.
These sneakers give visitors a glimpse into the lives of homeless youth from Detroit and Grand Rapids. A QR code at the exhibit provides more context behind some of the designs.
“We have a lot of exhibits and a lot of shoes. There will be four specific stories that a guest can see. The resident will talk about their art, their journey and what this experience meant to them,” said Meagan Dunn, CEO of Covenant House Michigan.
The sneakers are all displayed together in a tree. This tree symbolizes the healing journey of the artists, who are going back to their roots.
The exhibit goes live on Friday, September 13 at ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. It will be on display until September 28, and visitors can even interact with the sneakers by leaving a personal message of support for the artists who contributed to them.
Jack Springgate
