A charity is telling stories of homelessness through Spotify playlists

A homelessness charity is aiming to give young homeless people a voice by telling their stories through Spotify playlists.

Depaul UK is telling the stories of George, 20, Kristina, 20, Fatos, 25, Jecoliah, 19, and Emma, 21, by arranging song titles to spell out the narrative.

The unique Depaul Unheard: Playlists Against Homelessness concept is then rounded off with one final track that allows the young person to give an insight into their lives in their own words.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMxoQpwpi10&feature=youtu.be

The idea behind the campaign is to change the tune on how homelessness is perceived, breaking down the stereotypes as well as shining a light on the various ways that a young person can become homeless.

“Every experience of homelessness is unique, and the diversity of playlists demonstrates this,” said Mike Thiedke, Depaul UK’s CEO. “Through Spotify, we hope to break through the noise and reach listeners directly so that they can understand what people like George and Fatos have experienced.”

Jecoliah, who features in the campaign and will perform at tonight’s launch event under her stage name, J Cocoa, said: “Sharing my own story through a Spotify playlist has helped to show the world, but also myself, how strong I am as a person.

“Music has always given me strength. It helped me to escape homelessness, to become a better person, and through this project I hope that it can help other young people to do the same.”

Listen to the playlists here.

Image: Depaul UK