Designers
Designers
Designers
STREETed
A Humanity Driven Learning Center
Designers
Vanessa Tran
Key Words
SUMMARY
In the streets of NYC, lies a growing crisis: homelessness. Each day, we pass by countless individuals in need, yet we often find ourselves caught in “the bystander effect”, feeling powerless to make a difference. We question the government, the system, but rarely do we question our own complacency. STREETed is our solution, we're not just another program– we're a movement. Our unique approach shifts the responsibility towards reshaping our society, empowering the youth to break the cycle of indifference. Through collaborative learning, STREETed empowers kids to tackle social issues in their neighborhoods head-on, fostering a generation of empathetic and proactive leaders. Together, we can rewrite the narrative. Be an agent of change.
challenge
Through extensive research, it's evident that solving homelessness remains an elusive challenge. Countless outreach with both bystanders and the unhoused revealed a stark disconnect between their wants and our beliefs. The unhoused yearn to be seen, acknowledged, and supported– their voices drowned out by society’s misperceptions. Then there's a desire for change among the public, while most feel unsure of how to contribute meaningfully. Meanwhile, the government continues to fall short in addressing multifaceted issues. In a wicked problem as tangled as the housing crisis, there's no “one-size-fits-all solution”. Challenging societal attitudes towards those deemed "othered" is the first step in reshaping our approach to homelessness.
Outcome
This project ultimately took the form of STREETed, an empathy-based education initiative targeting the youth in addressing their neighborhood hardships. This outcome directly answers the observed needs of the unhoused and gaps in the advocacy space by empowering youth to confront societal indifference and challenge systemic inequality. By providing education, resources, and opportunities for action, STREETed addresses the need for visibility and understanding among the unhoused while mobilizing a new generation of changemakers to advocate for meaningful change. Early exposure to social issues like homelessness not only combats ignorance and fear but also cultivates empathy and compassion, laying the groundwork for a more equitable society.
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