In partnership with the RI Coalition to End Homelessness (RICEH) and Newport Housing Hotline, the Overlap gallery in Newport opened its “No Place Like Home” exhibit, centering around the theme of homelessness, on Saturday. 54 artworks were selected in an array of media and styles, with each artist interpreting what “home” means to them.
Homelessness has become an epidemic in the region, having increased 400% since before the COVID pandemic, according to Crossroads. In HousingWorks RI’s 2024 Fact Book, they concluded that there are no areas in the state where an individual making a median salary can afford to rent or buy a home. Individuals who work full time jobs are facing homelessness and frequently visit food pantries throughout Rhode Island.
“I spoke with the Chamber of Commerce, and there are a lot of their businesses that find people who are sleeping when they come up to work, right in their doorway,” said Kimberly Simmons, M. Ed., executive director for RICEH. “So it does impact everybody. The faith community sees it when some of their parishioners are struggling.”
It’s a testament to Overlap and the artistic community who showed up for the gallery opening, which was so full that overflow spilled outside, where the conversation was thriving.
“No Place Like Home” is a pretty special exhibit and one of the most important of the year. I love art shows and I’ve been to my fair share of art openings, but the one at Overlap was profoundly moving. Overlap’s founder and director, Susie Matthews spoke, and we also heard from advocates trying to ebb the tide of homelessness.
“We look for opportunities to have shelters, emergency shelters, and we do a little bit better with that,” explained Simmons about the constant struggle to find more housing options. “But we don’t have, at the end of the line, a place for there to be permanent, supportive housing options for those who have been through hell and back.”
Susan Gunter, RICEH’s Board President, weighed in on the kind of effort it will take to make a difference and why the event at Overlap was so important.
“For this to be addressed, it’s going to take every single one of us. It’s going to take Kim [Simmons], it’s going to take me, it’s going to take [the press]. Take the arts community. It’s going to take government. It’s going to take private citizens. And it’s going to take public investment. So that’s why this is exciting, because it brings together different sectors, to just shine a light on what’s happening, and it’s not happening to people who we don’t know.: it’s happening to our neighbors.”
Gunter also spoke about an important initiative at RICEH, “Voice of Homelessness.”
“These are brave individuals that are coming out and telling their story that’s not always easy to tell, but it’s a program that I’m particularly proud of, to give a voice to the people who may not have had it previously, and that we all need to hear, to really put some humanity around the crisis in housing.”
At the opening, two individuals from that program spoke about their poignant experiences.
“I ended up going into a shelter. And when I went into that shelter, I got my first job, and then I just came into work from high school, graduated high school, and then got my first apartment,” said Jacqueline Mercado, about her path to stable housing after being a homeless teen. She now works as a case manager for housing stabilization.
Kayla Serrano, another individual from the “Voice of Homelessness” program performed spoken art, in which she voiced her support for the show.
“I would like to use this moment to create a movement, and to unlock the doors to opportunities where and when we see the need: promoting health, supporting growth and getting grace for everyone, regardless of their past—we all have one. So I shared my truth, and this is my artistic tool to be of change. And it’s up us to stand united, advocating for housing as a basic human right, and for the sanctuary of home, and support to find not just shelters, but the space that people can thrive, transforming trauma into triumph. Pushing forward on this path, we are resilient. We want connection, and most of all, we lead with a holistic approach: love.”
Art sales for the exhibit are being split with fifty percent benefiting RICEH and Newport Housing Hotline, and the remaining fifty percent going directly to the artists. “No Place Like Home” is up until Dec. 21. A work of art from this show would make a lovely holiday gift, with the added bonus that you will be helping someone this season who doesn’t have a home.
Overlap is located at 112 Van Zandt Ave, Newport.
