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Street Art Missions, a new organization working with the Cherry Street Mission and the Toledo Museum of Art, has the goal of helping unhoused people find permanent housing. Andy Howard, the driving force behind the mission, was running a food bank when
his wife’s work with unhoused people caught his attention. Howard felt a responsibility to help those who were struggling, so he began by assisting people with completing paperwork to get housing before reaching out to The Cherry Street Mission to leverage his efforts.
Art — a pathway to expression and stability
An art program was an idea proposed to provide people with a space to create and express themselves. Howard was inspired to connect the Toledo Museum of Art with the project, and the Museum agreed to provide supplies, classes and a guest speaker once a month. The group’s first major project is a mural created by people experiencing homelessness, organized with the Museum, which was completed in mid-December. Howard encourages the public to get involved in building support systems to provide lasting stability. Whether assisting with finding housing, providing transportation or reviewing paperwork,
Howard wants people to engage with homeless individuals going through difficult times. Together, Howard explains, we can all help with this ongoing problem.
Faith, future plans and the power of community
Howard spends his time on this project as his faith taught him to look out for others. “I have a great passion for helping. I love helping,” said Howard, adding in quoting Mother Teresa, “If you can’t feed 100 people then just feed 1.” His goal is to help as many people as he can.
A grand opening will be announced for the new art resource center at The Cherry Street Mission with a glass blowing truck, tours of the art room and various other art activities open to the public. Howard hopes the event will encourage people to get involved and to facilitate a larger movement to help unhoused people find permanent hous- ing with community support.
Howard encourages Toledoans to embrace that assisting others affects more than the people helped; helping community is a two-way street.
To become involved with Street Art Mission, find them on Facebook or contact the Cherry Street Mission. streetarttees.us facebook.com/StreetArtTeesMission/ Cherry Street Mission phone number 419-214-3007
