SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — Homelessness is a big issue in Central New York. According to a study done in 2022 by the National Alliance to End Homelessness Organization, around 712 people in this area are homeless each night. That’s why it meant a lot to Craig Anderson and Kelly Bargabos when they were asked to show their work in an exhibit.
Every month, the Onondaga County Public Library has some sort of exhibit on the first floor. This month, the exhibit displays homelessness through watercolor paintings and short stories created by Anderson and Bargabos. Both are Central New York natives.
“It meant everything to have the opportunity to display it here in downtown Syracuse,” Bargabos shared.
The two grew up in Central, New York but traveled all throughout the United States and lived in San Diego for a while. The two saw a lot of homeless people and became passionate about encouraging empathy and action when it comes to this issue.
Bargabos shared that her brother was homeless for 5 years, which is a big part of why she is spreading awareness.
“I can still feel that of laying in my own bed at night and wondering where my brother was and if he was okay,” Bargabos said.
The exhibit can be found on the first floor of the Onondaga County Public Library at 447 South Salina Street. With each of the ten paintings in the exhibit, there is a small description to go along with it.
Bargabos and Anderson hope that their work will encourage people to take action in the community.
Anderson shared that a money donation is not necessary, all it takes is a wave to a homeless person to change their day.
Anderson and Bargabos are also sharing their work in a book that can be found on Amazon. All proceeds will be going to the Samaritan Center in downtown Syracuse.
