Salt Lake exhibit works to humanize homelessness
Jun 16, 2025, 6:59 PM | Updated: Jul 8, 2025, 4:02 pm
SALT LAKE CITY — Amplify Utah opened a new exhibit dedicated to humanizing homelessness on June 18. It will be on display at the Salt Lake City Public Library through July 20.
“In Their Words” features the stories of 17 people experiencing homelessness along the Wasatch Front.
Amplify Utah is a local nonprofit working to highlight inclusive journalism and storytelling in the state.
“The exhibit features photography, personal stories and multimedia journalism to highlight the humanity of individuals experiencing homelessness in our communities,” a press release read.
It features photography, multimedia journalism and stories from those who have experienced homelessness. The goal is to invite viewers to expand their ideas of the reality that homeless people face.
“Too often, homelessness is seen as a problem rather than a person,” said Marcie Young Cancio, the executive director of Amplify Utah.
Amplify Utah highlights storytelling with ‘In Their Words’
“This exhibit creates a space for reflection, recognition and connection,” said Young Cancio. “Everyone deserves to have their story heard.”
A press release highlighted two of the stories featured in the exhibit.
Benjamin, 30, told Amplify Utah about finding friends and community.
30-year-old Benjamin shared his experience finding community with Amplify Utah for its new exhibit. (Image via Amplify Utah)
He said he used to talk to himself until another man suggested he speak with others.
“So, after that, I kind of started opening up … and making more friends and talking to more people,” he told Amplify Utah.
Benjamin attended the opening event on June 18 and said he recognized others who were featured in the exhibit. He has since found housing and currently looking for a job.
Benjamin, who was featured in the exhibit, “In Their Words,” attended the opening event at the Salt Lake City Library on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. (Amplify Utah)
Marla, 62, and Jay, 55, are a couple featured in the project. Marla told Amplify Utah she found herself without stable housing after an apartment flood and a serious illness.
Marla and Jay are featured in Amplify Utah’s new exhibit. (Image via Amplify Utah)
The couple has lived in their car on Denver Street in Salt Lake City. It was tough, especially when it got cold.
Finally, they found another arrangement at a local hotel. Now, they hope to leave Denver Street permanently.
“In Their Words” will debut at the Salt Lake City Public Library, but won’t stop there. After it closes on July 18, it will move on to other public venues, businesses and schools. Locations are still in the works.
The exhibit debuted with a free public event at the library, featuring speakers and guided tours.
Amplify Utah highlighted the purpose of the project with a statement that read in part:
“Through this work, we aim to challenge assumptions, build empathy and remind our community that behind every statistic is a person with hopes, dreams, struggles and wisdom to share.”
Stephen Speckman has worked on the project as a photographer for nearly two years and took Benjamin’s portrait. He hopes the exhibit will have an impact on how people view others.
“We certainly didn’t start this, or continue to do this to change anybody’s mind,” said Speckman. “I hope they (people who visit the exhibit) come away with a sense of empathy for people that are often just overlooked, or judged unfairly. Maybe they can even see themselves and think, it could happen to me too.”
Find further details at the Salt Lake City Library’s event page.
Amie Schaeffer contributed to this report.
