A scuffed trainer, its sole barely clinging on. A pair of school shoes, polished once but now dulled by rain and rough pavements. A boot with laces tied together, too big for the feet inside. Every step tells a story.
“Walk in My Shoes” is a powerful photographic project that sheds light on the hidden crisis of youth homelessness—not through faces, but through the battered, worn, and often overlooked detail of their shoes. Inspired by a lesson my father taught me—“you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes”—this project captures striking images of footwear to tell deeply personal stories while protecting the anonymity of those involved.
For young people experiencing homelessness, shoes are more than just an accessory. They are a necessity, a form of protection, a link to identity, and often the only possession they truly own. They carry the weight of sleepless nights, the exhaustion of walking long distances to find safety, and the resilience required to keep moving forward despite the uncertainty of having nowhere to go. Some shoes will be falling apart, bearing the scars of miles walked to stay warm. Others may look new, a rare act of kindness from a shelter, a stranger, or a fleeting memory of a life before homelessness. Each pair holds a journey—one of struggle, survival, and hope.
The Reality of Youth Homelessness
Youth homelessness is a growing crisis, yet it remains largely unseen. In the UK alone, an estimated 136,000 young people sought help for homelessness in 2023, but the actual number is likely much higher. Many remain hidden—couch-surfing, staying in hostels, or sleeping in unsafe places not meant for habitation.
Homelessness at a young age is rarely a choice. It is often the result of family breakdown, domestic abuse, mental health struggles, or economic hardship. Some young people are still in school, trying to complete their education while living in temporary accommodation. Others are working but unable to afford stable housing. The uncertainty they face daily affects not only their immediate safety but also their long-term well-being, limiting their opportunities for the future.
Behind these statistics are real people—teenagers and young adults who, despite their circumstances, still dream of something better. “Walk in My Shoes” is about making the unseen visible, giving them a voice in a way that is raw, relatable, and deeply human.
Capturing the Stories
Through intimate photography and carefully recorded narratives, “Walk in My Shoes” gives a platform to those who are often unheard. By focusing solely on footwear, we maintain the anonymity of young people while allowing their experiences to be told in a way that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
Each image will be accompanied by a short story—sometimes just a sentence, sometimes a longer reflection—revealing the reality behind the shoes. Some stories will speak of resilience:
“I walk at night just to stay warm.”
“These were my school shoes—I haven’t been back since.”
“I keep them clean because they’re the only thing I have left.”
Others will highlight acts of kindness:
“A stranger gave me these, said they had no use for them.”
“They belonged to my friend, but they left, so I wear them now.”
“The shelter gave me these. They fit, but they still don’t feel like mine.”
The project will work in close partnership with youth homelessness charities, shelters, and outreach organisations to connect with individuals who are willing to share their experiences. Each participant will have full control over how much they share, ensuring authenticity and emotional truth in every story.
Exhibiting the Stories
This project will culminate in a public exhibition and online showcase, designed to engage the wider community in a meaningful way. By displaying the images alongside narratives, we invite viewers not just to observe but to step into the shoes of young homeless individuals—both figuratively and literally.
Potential locations for the exhibition include:
- The London Arts Centre – A prominent venue for social impact exhibitions.
- The OXO Gallery (London’s South Bank) – A well-known space for photography projects that raise awareness.
- The Museum of Homelessness (London) – A fitting location dedicated to exploring issues of homelessness.
- The People’s History Museum (Manchester) – A national centre for stories of social justice.
- St Albans Museum + Gallery – A local exhibition space with a history of showcasing impactful work.
- The Brighton Photography Biennial – A recognised platform for documentary photography.
- Community Art Spaces and Libraries – Smaller but accessible locations in key cities where homelessness is prevalent.
The exhibition will be designed to be immersive, using a combination of photography, audio recordings of personal stories, and written narratives to bring these experiences to life. It will also be accompanied by an online exhibition to reach a wider audience, ensuring that these stories can be seen and heard by those who may not be able to visit in person.
Beyond Awareness: Inspiring Action
“Walk in My Shoes” is more than just a photography project. It is about connection, understanding, and change. The aim is not only to raise awareness but also to spark action—encouraging conversations, influencing policy, and inspiring support for youth homelessness initiatives.
Through this project, we hope to:
- Challenge perceptions of homelessness and the stereotypes surrounding it.
- Encourage donations and support for organisations working to help homeless young people.
- Foster empathy by allowing people to see the reality of youth homelessness through a different lens.
- Give a platform to those whose voices often go unheard.
Each pair of shoes tells a story. Each step holds a struggle. Through “Walk in My Shoes,” we invite you to see, to listen, and to walk alongside these young people—if only for a moment.
