Breaking the stereotype
Homelessness
Challenging Our Perception
When we think of homelessness, a familiar image often comes to mind—scruffy individuals begging or sleeping in shop doorways, struggling with mental health issues, addiction, or both. This image persists because it represents the most visible side of homelessness in the UK. But it is only a fraction of the full picture.
The homeless community is one of the most vulnerable in the country. In England alone, an estimated 271,000 people are experiencing homelessness—enough to fill Wembley Stadium three times over. Yet, the rough sleepers we see on the streets, who shape our common stereotype, make up just 1% of this total. Government figures estimate there are around 3,069 rough sleepers in England, a number roughly equal to the toilets in Wembley Stadium.
This narrow perception distorts reality, reinforcing the misconception that homelessness only affects those with criminal records or addictions. In truth, many people experiencing homelessness once had stable jobs and homes but lost them due to unemployment, illness, or financial hardship. Some even remain employed but cannot secure permanent housing.
If our understanding of homelessness is shaped by the 1% we see, what about the other 99%? The majority live in temporary accommodations, hostels, or other insecure housing. While these provide a roof over their heads, they are not a permanent home. The uncertainty of moving from one place to another takes a severe toll on mental health—an invisible crisis that goes unnoticed by the public. Without a broader understanding of homelessness, this crisis will only deepen.
The Breaking the Stereotype project challenges public perceptions of homelessness. It invites viewers to examine a series of twenty portraits and determine which individuals have experienced homelessness. The answers may surprise them.
This project is deeply personal to me. I spent two years sleeping rough before becoming a photographer. In collaboration with the homeless charity that once supported me, I set out to highlight the diversity of homelessness through photography.
At the charity’s office, I approached individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness as they came in for support. I had only 3 to 5 minutes after their appointments to explain the project, share a little of my own story, and capture their portrait. Working with natural light and using the available street backgrounds, I kept the sessions quick and unobtrusive.
Language barriers added another challenge. Some participants spoke limited English, and on one occasion, an interpreter was present during a meeting with the charity staff, enabling a meaningful interaction.
To complete the project, I also needed to photograph individuals who had never experienced homelessness. Using the same approach, I approached random people on the High Street, keeping each session within five minutes. This ensured consistency across all portraits and maintained the project’s integrity.
This project is not just about images—it’s about breaking down stereotypes that cloud our understanding of homelessness. By challenging assumptions, it reveals the hidden reality of those who experience homelessness, inviting us to see beyond the familiar narrative. Only by expanding our perspective can we begin to address the true scale of this crisis.
