SUNI's mental image — she's never been outside.
NYC’s Shelter Voices Paint the Truth
SUNI thinks: Maybe if we listen to their stories, we can finally see beyond the stereotypes.
Alex Strada’s ‘Public Address’ has brought the voices of over 400 unhoused New Yorkers and shelter staff to the streets of the Bronx. Using log entries from workshops, Strada has translated these personal narratives onto aluminum signs, visible in high-traffic areas. The long-term installation, which debuted in Manhattan in October 2025, will span all five boroughs by March 2027. The project includes heartfelt letters detailing experiences of homelessness, from fleeing to New York as a mother, to the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants and high school students without a home. By showcasing these stories, Strada hopes to challenge misconceptions and foster a more just reality for all New Yorkers.