An exhibition showcasing the realities of homelessness in Western Australia has gained national attention at Parliament House in Canberra. The "Journey of Belongings" exhibition, initiated by Centacare's Housing First team, features intimate portraits and stories of individuals experiencing homelessness in Geraldton, located about 400 kilometers north of Perth. Centacare senior support worker Michelle Hall emphasized the project's goal of raising awareness about the housing crisis affecting the region. The exhibition was created for Homelessness Week in August and includes 19 portraits that aim to illuminate the lives of those often overlooked. "When you actually see a photo in front of you with their story, it's more than just somebody you walk past on the street," Hall said. She noted that the exhibit helps the community understand that everyone has a story and deserves a sense of belonging. Hall pointed out that the ongoing housing crisis is pushing more people onto the streets, while stigma surrounding homelessness persists. "There is a housing shortage … we've found a lot of new people are in situations without a roof over their head for the first time," she explained. "There's no set image of someone who is homeless; it can be an individual, right through to families." She encouraged the public to engage with those experiencing homelessness, stating, "If you do see someone rough sleeping, it's OK to say hello and check in to make sure they're OK." Photographer Trevor Pickett, who was commissioned by Centacare to capture the portraits, shared his insights from the experience. "It was quite an eye-opener for me because I didn't realize how many people were in those types of situations," he said. Pickett noted that many individuals felt comfortable sharing their stories with him. "It's incredible what they've pushed through … it's pretty impressive," he added. The exhibition gained further recognition when Centacare was invited by the Catholic Social Services of Australia to present it in Canberra during a parliamentary advocacy summit in October. The portraits were unveiled alongside discussions about homelessness and the future of social services. Hall reiterated the need for increased awareness and investment in addressing homelessness. "Each portrait in the exhibition highlights where someone's been and that we still have a lot left to do in the space of homelessness and housing," she said. "We've definitely seen an increase [in homelessness] in Geraldton. I just want to keep those conversations going because it won't go away if we just ignore the situation."