8 Billion Ones
The YOU MATTER Movement
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BACKSTORIES

Our “Backstories” share a deeper ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at some of our stories, exhibitions and experiences in the making. It gives a snapshot into the moments that collectively went into creating the work we get to do every day. Sometimes it’s a more intimate portrait of one of our team here at RB/8 Billion Ones, and sometimes it’s about one of our incredible story heroes. Regardless, it’s our way of showing you a little more transparency so you get to witness the magic in so many of these moments the way we do.

Our friend Willie: A compassionate Heart for our Homeless Friends

Written by Amy

It’s funny how like minds and hearts are drawn together. A few months ago Randy and I were introduced to Willie Baronet, an artist, professor, and founder of the We Are All Homeless Project. Willie began collecting signs from the homeless in 1993 in response to the feeling that surfaced each time he encountered a person standing at an intersection holding a sign and asking for help. Like many of us, he weighed the options of giving money or other physical help, and wondering if such a small gesture was truly changing the situation and systematic cycle of poverty. That all began to change when he started asking he could purchase the sign they were holding. The conversations and experiences Willie had through his interactions with homeless individuals has transformed his life.

Willie Baronet, We Are All Homeless

Willie Baronet, We Are All Homeless

Willie’s sign collection now travels the world providing an experience for people to explore the humanity of the signs, and questions regarding the nature of home, compassion and what it means to truly see each other.

We Are All Homeless Exhibition, University of Texas

We Are All Homeless Exhibition, University of Texas

The very first zoom meeting Randy and I had with Willie was like talking to an old friend. His authentic compassion and heart for our homeless friends was immediately evident. It was thrilling (and honestly an honor) for me to see both of these artists brainstorming ideas together about how The Road I Call Home and We are All Homeless can join forces to amplify the very powerful message and voice they have created for our homeless friends. We agreed that now more than ever is the time to cultivate compassion across the nation through art. Now is the time we need to truly understand and reinforce the message that every single life is valuable, that every person, every voice, every life counts, and we all matter equally. The homeless are marginalized individuals and communities that are often overlooked, feel forgotten, alone, unloved. This is an injustice and it is our job as fellow humans to seek truth, bring awareness and real, lasting change to the world, and to speak up for the voiceless.

We Are All Homeless Exhibition

We Are All Homeless Exhibition

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