More than their label: Photographs shed light on homelessness

With homelessness in Fredericton being a top concern, an exhibition of photographs is giving voice to the people behind the statistics.

According to the 2026 Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Community Homelessness Report for Fredericton, 806 people were identified as being homeless for at least one day in 2025-2026. Within this report, 300 people were identified as being newly homeless, 76 people returned to homelessness, and 370 people experienced chronic homelessness in this year alone.

Healing Hands: An Exhibit of Stories, Scars and Strength was on display at the Fredericton Public Library from October 1 to October 31. The exhibit of photographs by Zach Lakes Productions was organized by the Fredericton Homeless Shelter.

The exhibit includes photographs of hands and a narrative from each person about resilience. Each photograph is in black and white. Under each photo there is a write up where the person was asked what home and healing means to them, and how they find strength during difficult times. Each person reflected on their hands.

Photographer and social media designer Zach Lakes has done a wide range of photography including, portraits and weddings.

Contrary to the work Lakes usually does, the people behind these photographs were left unnamed.

One fascinating photo was titled “Growing Stronger.” To the person in the photo, home meant: “Safety, and stability,” and when asked how they find strength during difficult times the person said: “creative stuff… I like to play guitar.” They added: my “scars show some of the struggles that I’ve been through.” Creative things kept this person going in a way it does for many people. Most people need to get through another day but need something beside the basic necessities. This is something to do that lifts their spirits, if even only for a short time.

Another picture was titled “Ambitious.” When asked how they find strength during hard times, the subject said: “Knowing that I’m a survivor and that there is another day and somehow, somewhere, someone will help and I’ll get through it.”

When prompted about what the meaning of healing is to them, they noted, “Healing… it means feeling better. It means resting without pain. It means going on to the next day, that there is a next day…that you don’t have to worry.”

The answers to these questions tell us that person is resilient, spending every day with hope that they’ll maker it to another.

Also, the exhibit featured a photo named “It’s Been a Long Road.”

One of the things this person did was reflect on where they were at the moment the photograph was taken: “For the first time, maybe ever I feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. I think…I believe. I had to break; I had to lose everything. I had to fall flat on my ass. I’m blessed it was here in Fredericton since I came to St. John House, I’ve gotten a great team of people that generally care.” Despite all the struggles, this person found a shelter. They are strong, able to pick themselves up after reaching as breaking point.

St. John House is located in downtown Fredericton and is operated by Fredericton Homeless Shelters. It provides shelter to 27 people in an emergency. People there have access to laundry, showers, Wi-Fi and a phone.

The Fredericton Homeless Shelter began in October of 1992. They have worked with 12,000 people over the years and their goal is to change the lives of unhoused people.

They have a wide variety of spaces that give aid to the homeless population of Fredericton. They also carry out several programs including Indigenous supports, veteran support, counselling, housing specialist, prevention and division, and transition planning.

When viewing the exhibit, we see the homeless becoming more than just a number on a report. They begin to have a voice to show they are more than their label. Each person, whether still homeless or not, is unique in their own way. The more voices that are heard, the more people out there can feel like they have someone to relate to. It may be hard for society to not see folks as just homeless, but this exhibit shows them as complete people.

Healing Hands shows people there is hope, whether you or someone you know is homeless or struggling, things will get better with time, you are not alone.

Emma Benjamin is a UNB student studying English and is originally from Nova Scotia. She is completing an Arts 3000 Internship with the NB Media Co-op.