The east end of London has always been a contradictory place, now more so than ever. Spitalfields, Poplar and Bethnal Green remain among the poorest, most overcrowded districts in Britain, yet are sandwiched between the gleaming spires and riches of Canary Wharf and the City of London.
Since Victorian times, Providence Row has worked in the east end with the poor and homeless. Celebrating its 150th anniversary last year, the charity is drawing together stories from the homeless that use its day centre, along with their friends.
With financial assistance and the help of volunteers from legal firm Reed Smith, whose offices overlook Spitalfields Market, Providence Row's 150 Voices artwork includes video footage, photographs and interviews with the charity's users.
Download the .PDF below to read the full article "Voices of Experience."
This article first appeared in The Big Issue, February 7 - 13, 2011.