Driven by the rising visibility of homelessness in Thessaloniki, this learning project explored the structural roots of housing insecurity and the ethical responsibility of inclusive cities. In collaboration with CityShelter Solutions, students investigated the systemic causes of homelessness and co-created educational experiences to humanise the issue.

The project supported SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions). Outcomes included the interactive public exhibit “Faces of the Unseen”, a documentary screening and dialogue event, the campaign “No One Invisible”, and a Civic Action Plan proposing sustainable urban solutions.

Challenge
Homelessness is often misunderstood as an individual failure rather than a structural issue. The project aimed to challenge dominant narratives and bring visibility to the systemic inequalities and policy gaps that perpetuate urban exclusion.

Target Groups:
University students, community volunteers, social workers, and local policymakers. The project intentionally connected academic audiences with civic and institutional actors to build shared responsibility.

Solution
The students combined ethical fieldwork, visual storytelling, public education, and civic planning. Their approach prioritised dignity, consent, and the power of listening—framing homelessness as a collective challenge requiring coordinated, rights-based action.

Innovation
The use of anonymised portraits, audio stories, and public dialogue turned passive spectators into active listeners. The project created emotional learning spaces that respected those affected while motivating others to act. It shifted the discourse from charity to justice.

Impact
More than 20 citizens engaged through the exhibit and dialogue events. Students developed transferable skills in advocacy, ethical research, and civic communication. The project inspired plans for a city-wide “Invisible Thessaloniki” event and ongoing institutional partnerships.

This student project is submitted through:
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

It involved 5 students from the Department of Philosophy and Education

Project poster: Download Here