The Whitechapel Centre, a leading homelessness and housing charity for the Liverpool region, is 50 this year.
To mark the occasion, a free public exhibition is held this autumn at the Open Eye Gallery in Liverpool, offering visitors an inspiring journey through the charity’s history and its vital role in tackling homelessness across five decades.
The exhibition traces the evolving face of homelessness, showing how economic, social, and political influences have shaped people’s experiences and the services provided. A central timeline charts major events alongside the charity’s responses, revealing how its work has adapted to meet changing needs.
Visitors can explore personal stories of transformation, a memories board and a spotlight on services – including the importance of creativity and self-expression for those experiencing homelessness.
Thanks to funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, made possible by National Lottery players, the exhibition has been curated by a co-creation team, including people with lived experience of homelessness.
Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:
"The Whitechapel Centre has been doing important work for many years related to homelessness in Liverpool. We are delighted to be supporting the charity, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, to explore and share the history of homelessness in the city, and how it has changed throughout the 50 years the charity has been in operation."