A NEW public art campaign addressing homelessness has been launched in Reading.
The “I Was Here” installation, created by homelessness charity St Mungo’s in partnership with street artist Luke Embden, is currently live on King Street.
The campaign turns traditional graffiti-style name tags into visual art based on real-life experiences of rough sleeping and recovery.
The Reading installation focuses on the story of Tamika, who spent 13 years sleeping rough before receiving support through St Mungo’s Housing First scheme.
Members of the public can scan an integrated QR code at the site to listen to her story narrated in her own words.
Matching installations are also taking place concurrently in London and Bristol, representing the stories of three other individuals supported by the charity.
The campaign comes amid ongoing homelessness challenges across the region.
Last autumn, snapshot estimates recorded 43 people sleeping rough on a single night in Reading, while St Mungo’s supported over 540 individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness across the town over the past year.
Nationally, the charity assisted more than 28,000 people last year, with its Housing First programme currently supporting 35 people in Reading by providing stable housing alongside ongoing assistance.
Tamika, a Reading resident and Housing First participant said: “I spent thirteen years sleeping rough, and it’s an experience like no other.
“People have no idea how hard it is just to survive; you can’t cook yourself a meal, can’t look after yourself, can’t take pride in anything you’ve done.
“I knew what it was like to have a home, a job and a family, and when I lost that, it hurt. When St Mungo’s asked if I wanted to join their Housing First scheme I jumped at the chance.”
She explained: “The program gives people their own space and a stable home as a starting point, with the team supporting every step of the way, for as long as it’s needed. It felt like a real chance to change things for myself.
“Now I live in my own flat with my dog Bubbles. It’s somewhere for me to relax, cook, and feel proud of.
“I’m back in touch with my family, and I’m happy. It’s given me my confidence back.”
Luke Embden, a street artist said: “It’s been a privilege to develop these artworks with St Mungo’s. All too often, people see homelessness on the streets but walk on by, unsure of how to help.
“These murals are a reminder that by supporting charities like St Mungo’s, you can help to provide tailored support which leads to long-term recovery.
“I am incredibly grateful to Lee, Lawretta, Tamika, and Ray for trusting me with their stories.
“I encourage anyone passing by to stop, listen, and share a picture to support them.”
Ellie Alway-Thomas, St Mungo’s Senior Service Manager in Oxford and Reading, said: “Rough sleeping is a lonely and difficult reality for the people we support.
“This campaign highlights that homelessness really can happen to anyone. In spite of this, recovery is possible.
“St Mungo’s has been working in Reading for more than a decade and every day, come rain or shine, our frontline teams are out on the streets looking for people who might need support.”
She explained: “Our dedicated, compassionate and skilled teams are there from someone’s first night on the streets to their first move into semi-independent accommodation.
“Stories like Tamika’s show what’s possible when we work directly with people experiencing homelessness and provide them with services to find paths off the streets for good.
“Her mural paints the perfect picture of support, not stigma, which is exactly what is needed in today’s homelessness emergency.”
The “I Was Here” installation is showing at The Bike Hub on King Street in Central Reading for a two-week run.
