A new course on arts entrepreneurship has graduated six individuals who struggled with housing and found solace in creating handmade items from reclaimed wood, jewelry, and other materials. The program, run by Community Supported Shelters, a nonprofit that serves Eugene’s unhoused population, aims to provide business skills and access to resources for creative people without means.
The first pop-up market was a success, allowing students to sell their work and gain confidence in their abilities. Program coordinator Anna Alkin adapted the class from a similar program at MECCA, a secondhand art supply nonprofit, to meet the unique needs of unhoused individuals.
Students were given studio time, art supplies, and financial guidance, including help with setting price points and using online payment platforms like Venmo. Grant funding from the Lane Community Health Council enabled students without cellphones or bank accounts to access these resources.
The program has been a lifeline for participants, providing not only a creative outlet but also a sense of purpose and validation. For Southwood, a jewelry maker who lost her home three years ago, the class is a reminder that she is seen and valued as a creative person.
Source: https://lookouteugene-springfield.com/story/arts-culture/2025/10/27/class-aims-to-help-unhoused-people-learn-to-make-and-sell-their-own-art