HomeFront Announces a New Multi-Media Exhibition Lifting Up Unique Voices and Experiences about Homelessness

"Home: The Art of Belonging," a powerful exhibition by HomeFront clients, local artists and poets opens today at West Windsor Arts.

"Home: The Art of Belonging" is a powerful multi-media exhibition created by HomeFront clients, local artists and poets who have experienced homelessness and poverty. The exhibit runs today, August 12th to September 20th at West Windsor Arts, with an exciting opening reception this Friday, August 15 from 6-8pm where the artists will be present and speak about their work. West Windsor Arts is located at 952 Alexander Road in Princeton Junction, NJ.

According to the New Jersey Monitor, the state's homeless population rose by about 8%, reaching 13,748 individuals—the highest tally since 2014. Despite past gains in the state, the 8% surge by early 2025 signals a worrying reversal and highlights continuing challenges, especially amidst federal budget cuts. Contemporary art can serve as a powerful lens to illuminate the shared humanity between housed and unhoused communities, using creativity to spark empathy, dialogue, and a deeper sense of connectedness. Through immersive, thought-provoking works, artists can challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and inspire collective action toward dignity and belonging for all.

This multi-media exhibition explores themes of inclusion, dignity, and our shared human worth. Incorporating the voices and talents of artists who have experienced homelessness and poverty, the exhibition reflects the personal and collective need for connection. Through a powerful collection of art and poetry, this exhibition illustrates that belonging is more than just a physical space; it is about feeling seen, valued, and included.

Aiming to raise awareness of the barriers between social classes, this exhibition will highlight our shared human experiences of and need for belonging, and foster empathy. These themes are captured and expressed daily in HomeFront’s therapeutic ArtSpace program. “I’ve been through a lot in my life and ArtSpace was the place I healed the most,” says an ArtSpace participant. “Just being allowed and guided to express myself in a tangible way has made every day so much easier for me.”

HomeFront’s ArtSpace has two spacious studios in Mercer County: one in Ewing Township and one in Lawrenceville. ArtSpace is part of HomeFront’s personal wellness programming, helping families move beyond basic survival to thriving. These studios provide a nurturing, welcoming space for people of all ages to explore and nurture their creativity. ArtSpace also provides opportunities like this one at West Windsor Arts for participants to have public exhibitions in the community, share their unique stories, and connect with others.

HomeFront is a social service agency with a comprehensive slate of programs designed to empower families in economic crisis address whatever barriers they are facing now and help them onto a path toward a more stable future. They offer safe and secure emergency housing, feed thousands of hungry households a year, provide other necessities such as diapers, personal and household items, and offer comprehensive wraparound services to partner with families on their path to stability. From HomeFront's earliest days, they have honed their tools and procedures as a “first responder,” as they worked toward their mission to end homelessness in Central New Jersey. For more information about how you can help, visit www.homefrontnj.org or call (609)-989-9417 x112.

West Windsor Arts' gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 10 am to 6 pm and Saturday, 10 am to 4pm. Gallery hours may vary – visitors are encouraged to call 609-716-1931 or visit: www.westwindsorarts.org.