‘Beyond Homelessness’

When organizers of a new event to raise awareness about homelessness set out to get some images around Steele County, they thought they might have to stage some scenes.

Instead, Lighthouse of Southern MN executive director Amanda Starks said, “At every spot we went to, there was homelessness.”

With permission from the people they met, local photographer Aaron Guzman took photos in places not far from established neighborhoods and fields where local kids play baseball. Starks said the people they met were “very open” about sharing what their environment looked like and what they’re experiencing.

Guzman’s impactful photographs will be featured during “Beyond Homelessness: An Evening of Stories & Strength,” held Nov. 21, 6-9 p.m. at the Owatonna Arts Center. It’s a fundraiser, but Starks said the photos and stories will also drive home the message that yes, there are people living unhoused in the community.

“It’s really bringing to light what you don’t see, but once you see you know,” she said. “It is in our backyard, and now we can do something about it.”

From 6-7 p.m., attendees can walk through the photo exhibit and will see, “oh my gosh, that’s three streets down from me, or that’s where I go everyday to walk my dog.” Starks said when she’s out talking about homelessness in Steele County, she still hears people say they don’t believe homelessness exists in this area.

“This is going to force the unknown and the unseen to be seen,” she said. “At that point, when we can see that it’s real and it’s here, we can come together and be stronger, and we can do what we need to do to help those that need help.”

That help looks a little different for every person who needs it, she said. Some may need just a pair of warm socks or something to eat, while others are ready for the kind of programming The Lighthouse offers to help them find their way out of homelessness.

Personal stories

Those personal stories of people who have successfully completed the Lighthouse programs for men and women (formerly known as Hospitality House and Rachel’s Light, respectively) will also be part of the “Beyond Homelessness” program–but told in a unique way.

zAmya Theater Project is working the real-life stories of two men and two women into a performance that will begin at 7 p.m. during the event.

Starks said committee member Glenda Smith got in touch with Little Theatre of Owatonna director Victoria Bartkowiak, who suggested the Minneapolis-based company. The group’s mission focuses on using “the powerful combination of lived experience(s) and artistic expression to inspire our communities to work for housing justice for all.”

“They were very excited about working with us,” Starks said. “They had wanted to bring a performance to southern Minnesota.”

The thought behind telling individual stories through professional performers, Starks said, is that “it’s really hard to tell your story when speaking in front of people is not your thing. We wanted to make sure we did their stories justice.”

Shared stories about homelessness is also what got Rebecca Somers and Tim Van Gelder involved with the “Beyond Homelessness” fundraiser. Both heard a presentation Starks did at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.

Somers said the words, “now that you know, you know,” stuck with her, and “it was easy to say yes when asked to help with (the Lighthouse) fundraiser.”

“Families are homeless, children are going to bed hungry, people are battling mental health right here in this community,” Somers said. “We know these things as facts, not stories, not rumors… There are exciting things on the horizon for positive transformation, and the only thing we need is a community who acknowledges the truth and works on the solution.”

Van Gelder said he “was inspired by the compassion and determination” driving Lighthouse of Southern MN’s efforts to help people who are homeless. He said the timing of being asked to volunteer after learning about the organization “felt like a clear sign that I should get involved.” “My hope is to honor the stories shared in this night, and help attendees see homelessness through the eyes of those experiencing it and encourage everyone there to consider tangible ways to make a difference in our community,” he said.

Homelessness Awareness

What: Beyond Homelessness: An Evening Of Stories & Strength

When: Nov. 21, 6-9 p.m.

Where: Owatonna Arts Center, 435 Garden View Lane

Tickets: $40, available online at eventbrite.com/e/beyond-homelessness-an-evening-of-stories-strength-tickets-1717370484349