FACES OF HOMELESSNESS

The paintings illustrating many of our website pages have been created by homeless men who came to be artists through Volunteers of America's art therapy program. The program encourages creative self-expression as a way of giving dignity and meaning to these desperate lives. Each painting represents a personal victory for the men who chose to share their vision.

The men who arrive at the Volunteers of America Reception Center, on Manhattan's east side, are the most street-acculturated homeless -- vulnerable and isolated, unwilling and/or unable to communicate, and suffering from untreated mental and physical illnesses. Volunteers of America displays this art to illuminate the human faces of homelessness -- real people with real problems that must be addressed, diagnosed and treated. We hope by showcasing these extraordinary and compelling works, you are able to experience the humanity and compassion we all share for those in need.

This work is not for sale; it belongs to the men.

Volunteers of America is grateful to Colgate-Palmolive Company for mounting and framing the collection, which has transformed our Reception Center into a permanent art gallery.