Rob says it takes a lot of muscle to push a
cart that’s full of wet clothes and blankets.
You may push a shopping cart when you are at the grocery store. For people living on the street, carts can be important tools for meeting different daily needs. This gallery of carts was created through conversation with people experiencing homelessness in Kelowna. They describe what is most valuable in their cart, and why it is important to them.
Frank
Frank doesn’t usually have a cart, but needs one to carry his dog Cosmo who was recently injured and can’t walk. Frank’s dog is his most valuable possession.
Nova
Nova enjoys the work of collecting bottles and cleaning up the city. It’s a way to make money for coffee.
McAngelo
The most important item in McAngelo’s cart are his shoes.
Richard
Richard’s most important item is his bible. His custom cart is decorated with handwritten, meaningful words.
Yoben
Yoben spends time looking for materials for his art, which is his most valuable possession. He finds pieces of stone, jewellery and natural materials to use for future art pieces. Yoben says everyone’s pile of stuff is very meticulously put together, like a puzzle.
Russell
Russell’s most valuable item is his walking cane, which is buried under all the stuff he’s taking to the recycling depot.
Susie
Susie values her wool blanket that she has owned for a very long time.
Lori and John
Lori and John identify themselves as treasure hunters, and look through trash to find hidden gems. Their most important belongings are antique liquor bottles found in a dumpster.
Mau (R.I.P.) August 27th, 2017
Mau’s most important item is the art she creates from wire. Mau shares a cart with a friend whose belongings were all stolen. All they have now is some food and a blanket.
Chris and Destiny
A duffel bag filled with pillows, blankets and clothes, and two umbrellas are what matter most to Chris and Destiny. Chris has hockey sticks, golf clubs, a football, and a basketball that he uses when he gets angry or frustrated. Hitting a ball takes his mind off hard things and onto something else. Chris also collects, builds and paints BMXs, and other stuff. It keeps him busy when he gets overwhelmed.
Diane
Diane says everyone gets “street feet.” The best thing about returning to a recovery centre is taking off your shoes and socks, and soaking your feet. She says a fresh pair of socks is “the ultimate.”
Dee and Dan
Dee and Dan’s relationship is the most important thing to both of them.
Photo credits: Sandy, Steffani, Yasmin, Cole, and Harrison.