Underheard

Underheard in NY is a project that gave voice to four men living on the streets of New York City. Using a mobile phone and a Twitter account, people who have grown accustomed to being ignored, shunned and marginalized had the ability to offer insight into their world. The project is currently on hiatus as the team tries to develop a larger framework allowing the idea to be transplanted to other urban centres.

Whilst the initial concept is interesting and has undoubtedly broadened the reach of these individuals, it seems to open up broader possibilities linked to individuals helping individuals. One of the stumbling blocks for not for profits is their need to connect with donors and express the tangible impact their activities have on individuals, as opposed to the abstract notion of “helping”, “doing good” or “making a difference”.

If the power of Twitter—where conversations and relationships take place between individuals—can be harnessed to connect the haves with the have nots, there is no middleman.

I wish the Underheard crew the best in their efforts to develop the idea into a project that has even greater reach and impact so the homeless in our streets can be heard and seen once again.