Portraits captured by Andrew Diprose
AFL Victoria is proud to support the Launch Housing's 'Raise the Roof' exhibition, beginning this weekend in Melbourne and on display along Birrung Marr until August 25.
Raise the Roof tells the stories of AFL fans who have experienced homelessness – or come close to it – but have since found a safe place to call home.
Behind each statistic about homelessness is a person with hopes and dreams, including seeing their team climb to the top of the ladder and win a flag. Footy is more than a game – it's about resilience and community, and through a shared love of the sport, people create a sense of identity and belonging.
Launching Friday 25 July for Open House Melbourne weekend, and running through National Homelessness Week in August, 'Raise the Roof' is a free outdoor exhibition showcasing seven large scale portraits of AFL fans - who have experienced homelessness.
The exhibition is free, located along Birrarung Marr from 24th July - 25th August.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT 'RAISE THE ROOF'
The exhibition highlights the stories of people who have experienced or been at risk of homelessness. They are proof that it is possible to end homelessness. By putting footy front and centre, the experience of homelessness takes a backseat - because it’s part of someone’s story, not their identity. By humanising the issue of homelessness through the lens of our shared love of footy, together we can break down stigma, foster empathy and help build understanding.
General public are invited to attend the Raise the Roof opening event this Friday 25 July, at Greenline Project Hub near Fed Square, Melbourne.
When: Friday 25 July - 5:15pm - 7pm
Bookings are essential for the launch event, with tickets only $7.
CLICK HERE TO GRAB YOUR TICKETS FOR TONIGHT.
This public display aims to inspire connection and collective action toward our goal of ending homelessness, encouraging the community to come together to ‘raise the roof’ with the same passion they have for their favourite AFL teams.
One of the Melbournians featured in the display is avid Hawthorn supporter Jordan (pictured above). Click here to read more about Jordan's story.