Last week, the Silent Images team was privileged to be a part of a video project involving several Charlotte residents who are or have been homeless. The vision behind the project is to change misconceptions people often have about those who are trapped in a homeless situation. Some of the issues we touched on were common ideas most of us have heard people express, like “Homeless people are lazy,” “They could get a job if they wanted to,” “They’re all drug and alcohol addicts,” and “It’s their fault they’re homeless.”

Last Wednesday, we heard some incredible stories of hardship and hope from these Charlotteans without homes, and they all had a common thread running through them: they never gave up.

One man lives on the streets after he lost his job and family during his battle with cancer years ago. Another was left without family or support when his only immediate relative, his mother, died in his early adulthood. One woman was injured at work and has long been restricted by the resulting injuries.

And now, all three are limited by the compassionless stereotypes many place upon them when they apply for jobs, shop in stores, or travel on public transportation.

Our hope is that this video will aid in dispelling the damaging misconceptions many people hold on to and encourage all to help remove the obstacles those who are homeless face in their everyday lives.