Tony's Story: A Journey of Art and Housing

San Jose, CA – Tony’s passion for art was reignited through HomeFirst’s Home Is Where the Art Is program, a two-month art workshop series for individuals experiencing homelessness. At the program’s final exhibition and fundraising event, which took place in June, Tony’s art was met with acclaim, sparking bidding wars. He is now being commissioned to create new work.  

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Since the final showcase, Tony has continued his creative journey, expanding his repertoire. While drawing in pencil was his preference during the art program, he now experiments with painting and ceramic sculpture, creating remarkable pieces in each medium. His artwork is inspired by his upbringing on a ranch in the mountains of Michoacán, Mexico, his life in San Jose, and his love for anything antique.  

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In recognition of Tony’s talent, HomeFirst has commissioned him to create a special piece that will be auctioned at the organization’s annual In From the Cold fundraising benefit on November 2nd. Proceeds from this piece will support HomeFirst’s mission to end homelessness through the provision of essential services.  

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Like many unhoused individuals, a health issue led to Tony’s homelessness. A leg injury forced him to stop working as a carpenter, which caused him to deplete his savings and lose his housing. He found himself living in a park, where HomeFirst’s Outreach Team met him, conducted a vulnerability assessment, and placed him in the queue for housing. One month later, he moved into Felipe, one of HomeFirst’s interim housing sites. After time there, he was transferred to the housing site, Mabury, where he joined the Home Is Where the Art Is program and rekindled his passion for art. Tony continues to work towards his permanent housing goal.  

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While Tony’s story is inspiring in and of itself, it serves as a larger reminder about the value of supportive programs for the unhoused community. As we head into fall with nearly 10,000 people in Santa Clara County experiencing homelessness, service agencies that support individuals on their journeys to permanent housing are more important than ever. Through programs like Home Is Where the Art Is, HomeFirst offers more than shelter at its interim housing sites. It fosters community, creativity, and personal growth, empowering residents to rebuild their lives.   

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For interview opportunities, or further information regarding Tony’s story, please contact HomeFirst’s Communications and Media Manager, Fiona Brodie.   ​

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About HomeFirst:   

HomeFirst is a nonprofit organization passionately working to end homelessness. We serve the Bay Area community through low-barrier programming (prevention, outreach, shelters, and interim and permanent housing programs) and systems leadership – meeting each person where they are, by offering support and resources that address immediate and long-term housing needs.   

  

Media Contact:  

Fiona Brodie, Communications and Media Manager  

fbrodie@homefirstscc.org, (510)383-6170.