MEDIA ADVISORY - Cardboard house on King Street promises tour of a different kind

TORONTO, May 23, 2012 /CNW/ - On May 25 & 26, Raising the Roof invites Torontonians to tour The Street House. In sharp contrast to the beautiful, historic buildings featured in the Doors Open event (May 26/27), this structure - squeezed into an alleyway on King Street - features the most modest of building materials - cardboard.

From the outside The Street House will mimic a classic home. The 'rooms' inside will symbolize all those desperate places where Canada's estimated 200,000 homeless people seek shelter every day.  Each space will feature images, stories, facts and activities that confront the myths and confirm the realities of homelessness. The goal? To change the way people think about homelessness. This installation was designed and produced pro bono by the award-winning ad agency, Leo Burnett Toronto.

WHAT:	Unique cardboard Street House open for public tours
WHO:	Representatives from Raising the Roof (both days)
	People who have experienced homelessness (morning of May 25^th)
WHEN:	Friday and Saturday, May 25 & 26, 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
WHERE:	In the alley between 367 & 369 King Street West (near Blue Jays Way)
Media opps:	May 25, 8 a.m. to 12 Noon is best time to connect with individuals who are willing to talk about their personal experience of homelessness.
	Multiple opportunities to interview members of the public during tours.
	Lots of visual interest/props for photo/video coverage.

 

 

Susanna Smith, Communications: 416-888-2074
Carolann Barr, Executive Director: 416-523-6605
More information: www.raisingtheroof.org