Signs of Hope
Empowering Homeless Artists
Empowering Homeless Artists
My mission is simple yet powerful:
To provide homeless individuals with immediate assistance and future opportunities through their most visceral and often desperate art. We’ve embarked on a unique project that bridges compassion, creativity, and direct assistance to those in critical need.
I know first hand how nearly impossible it can be to access services of any kind from charitable organizations when homeless, on foot, hungry, and desperate. The compassion I have experienced directly from strangers that have become friends, and folks who are simply looking for opportunities to be kind, is the inspiration for this project.
We celebrate victories—the sign creator who secured stable housing, the buyer who became a mentor, the artist who found hope. Read on to find out how.
The Project
Connecting Hearts Through Art
Sourcing Signs:
We hit the streets, not as mere passersby, but as listeners. We approach individuals holding signs with empathy, acknowledging their humanity. We ask if they’d be willing to sell their sign—a canvas for their thoughts, emotions, and stories. These signs are their voice, their expression in the moment, performance art. Now an opportunity for not just a hand out, but perhaps a hand up.
Please Note:
Each sign will be purchased for a minimum of $20 (I don’t feel right offering less), a new piece of cardboard, and a new Sharpie marker.
The entirety of the balance left in the GoFundMe from the previous week will be split between the 5 people that are chosen at random for this project every Friday/Saturday, but $20 is the absolute minimum that I will offer someone for their time/sign.
Framing and Showcasing:
Each sign is carefully framed, preserving its raw authenticity. We use recycled frames, symbolizing resilience and sustainability. Our online platform becomes a gallery—a virtual space where these signs find their spotlight. Buyers can explore, appreciate, and bid on these unique pieces.
Marketing:
Art will be displayed on easels at the local Saturday and Sunday market where people can join the auctions that end Sunday at midnight.
The Online Auction:
Our online auctions are more than financial transactions; they’re bridges between souls. Buyers bid generously, knowing that every cent goes directly to the sign creators. The auction isn’t just about owning art; it’s about owning a piece of someone’s journey.
Long-Term Impact:
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Beyond the Purchase:
When a sign finds a new home, the connection doesn’t end. Buyers receive the contact information of each individual artist on the back of the frame. They can reach out, offer mentorship, job opportunities, or simply share a cup of coffee. These connections ripple into meaningful relationships.
Documenting Humanity:
With permission, we film each new relationship, capturing interactions—the hesitation, curiosity, and glimmers of hope. These moments are shared on social media, allowing viewers to witness the struggles and triumphs firsthand.
How You Can Help:
Donate: Your contribution fuels this project. It covers sign purchases, frames, and shipping costs. Every dollar counts.
Spread the Word: Share our GoFundMe campaign far and wide. Let others know that art can change lives.
Bid and Connect: When the signs go up for auction, bid generously. And remember, your bid isn’t just a number; it’s a lifeline.🎨🏠
Transparency:
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All distributed donations will be filmed. Every bit of what is donated to the GoFundMe will be divided up between the random participants (5) each week.
The only 2 requirements for artists are: that they are willing to be on camera, and have some kind of valid contact information.
100% of the profit from the Auction will go to the Artist via the contact info provided.
This distribution will also be filmed.
From there it’s up to the buyer to decide how they would like to proceed.
No contact information will be shared about the buyer unless specifically requested by the buyer.
The Process Simplified.
I approach random folks holding signs that are unique in some way. I will offer to purchase their sign for 20$ minimum*, “signed” with their contact information on the back, and give them the materials to make another. I’ll explain the project to them and ask a few questions about their unique situation, the sign, etc. The only conditions are they must be willing to be filmed (I WILL BLUR Identities when requested), and they have some way to be contacted.
This will all be filmed with permission.
The sign will then be framed, photographed, and posted for Auction.
*100% of the proceeds from the Auction (Minus framing and shipping) will go to the “Artist”.
The recipient of the Art then has the opportunity to contact the Artist Directly, and offer any kind of assistance they may be able to provide.
Join Us in Creating Change
Signs of Hope isn’t just about art; it’s about humanity. Let’s turn signs into symbols of resilience, compassion, and transformation. Together, we can rewrite stories, one sign at a time.
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Note: All funds raised will be transparently allocated to sign purchases, framing, and shipping. The rest goes directly to the homeless individuals who pour their hearts onto these signs.
Join us on this journey. Be a part of Signs of Hope. 🌟