The homeless have talent

I was reading an article recently about an art exhibit. The art, mostly paintings, was created by people living in shelters.

It made me think of the men and women living at our shelter at 256 King Edward and in our supportive living facilities. You would be amazed at how many talented people we have in our care. And art is just one talent. We have people who can play music, sign, you name it. We don't always see it, of course.

In past years residents, at 208 St. Andrew, a supportive living facility operated by Shepherds of Good Hope, have hosted an event they call Art in the Parking Lot, a cute take on the art in the park events that happen in Ottawa during the summer.

It's very good art and some of our residents have been successful at selling it.

The lesson here is that people are homeless for a variety of reasons. But it has nothing to do with a lack of talent or a lack of desire to be in a better position in life.

Here are a few samples of the talent we have at Shepherds of Good Hope.