In an hour long “demonstration through art” scheduled for Friday, March 15, homeless advocates plan to set up 540 cardboard houses in downtown Washington, D.C.
The display is part of a campaign to end chronic homelessness in the District in the next five years, according to organizers at Miriam’s Kitchen, a program that provides meals, counseling and other help to the needy.
The houses, constructed by homeless people, will be in place from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at Freedom Plaza, a small park located at 1350 Pennsylvania Ave NW, directly across the street from the District’s Wilson Building.
Spectators will be invited to create and deliver personalized art and messages to local officials and listen to speakers addressing topics such as the importance of programs such as Housing First, which moves chronically homeless people from the shelter system into stable homes while offering services to address the causes of homelessness. The District’s 2012 homeless count identified 1,870 chronically homeless men and women living in the city.
