Can Art Heal Homeless New Yorkers?

Art Can Heal Homeless New Yorkers

Photo Credit: BillionPhotos.com - stock.adobe.com

Writers and thinkers from Yuvi Noah Harari, author of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, to Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher series, have posited the theory that homo sapiens survived prehistory while other human species went extinct due to our species’ ability to tell stories and engage in other artistic forms. This blog post will discuss how Art can heal homeless New Yorkers as well as where they may express themselves. 

Does Art Have Healing Properties for Homeless New Yorkers? 

With all the threats facing humanity, Art can seem like a luxury. However, throughout human history, Art has brought solace, toppled tyrants and given voice to the voiceless. Free expression is every bit as critical to our survival as nourishing food, clean water, suitable clothing and a safe, reliable place to lay our heads at night. This applies even to those experiencing homelessness. 

How Does Art Heal Homeless New Yorkers?

Aside from instruction, Art gives its practitioners a sense of purpose and accomplishment as well as an outlet for their inner lives. In a previous blog post, we explained how actively listening to our less fortunate neighbors is the greatest kindness we can bestow on them. Art serves much the same purpose. It can also be an entertaining escape from the horrors of homelessness. 

In their book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (Random House, 2023), authors Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross identified the following six ways in which art can be valuable: 

  • Preventative medicine 
  • Symptom relief for everyday health issues 
  • Treatment for illness,  developmental issues and accidents 
  • Psychological support 
  • A tool for successfully living with chronic issues, and
  • A means of providing solace and meaning at the end of life

Where Can the Homeless Practice the Arts in New York City? 

Our fair megacity has been the birthplace of hundreds of artistic movements throughout the course of American history. Therefore, it should be absolutely no surprise that New Yorkers of all stripes can and should find countless places to express themselves. There are hundreds of organizations, but a very superficial search reveals these great and completely free programs: 

Of course, Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations celebrate free expression in all its forms and host many arts programs. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 

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