Encampments in parks of a cosmopolitan city could sound like a developing country reality, but it is not. Over the last 10 years, encampments community throughout Toronto has increased due to the hight and unaffordable rent prices.

Over the past two years, a sizeable increasing community of unhoused folks has lived at Trinity Bellwoods Park. Due to the high rent rates in Toronto, many people cannot afford even a tiny room. These photographs depict the physical environment and some of the artwork from folks within the community of Trinity Bellwoods Park.

November 2020, Brandon passed away at Trinity Bellwoods Park Encampments. He was in his 30s and faced homelessness for years. Their folks within the Community paid tribute to him by painting this couch.

People who face homelessness are more likely to get sick or experience any type of harassment.

Folks at Trinity Bellwoods Park are exposed to symbolic and psychological violence. Ignoring them is part of the symbolic violence.

"Do not remove. Someone lives here". Yes. This tiny space is what a person calls home. Over the past 10 years, the encampments community throughout Toronto has increased due to the high and unaffordable rent prices.

Some people living at Trinity Bellwoods Park have found art as their own therapy to face homelessness and other mental health issues. According to my short conversation with one of them, he uses art to express his mind and heart. "Sometimes you need to express what is in your heart, and I use 'people's trash' to create this."

White Squirrels squad is a group of artists that lived at Trinity Bellwoods Park. They painted their tends and also created some art pieces. According to some of them, art was part of their therapy to get through and express their emotions.

Trinity Bellwoods Encampment was a community of roughly 60 people. I say 'was' because, on Tuesday, June 22nd, the City of Toronto decided to evict folks from this park.