Willie Baronet has been purchasing signs from people experiencing homelessness since 1993, building a collection of over 2,400 artifacts that tell powerful stories. Through his WE ARE ALL HOMELESS project, Baronet uses these signs to raise awareness and foster compassion about homelessness in Dallas and beyond.
In addition to this visual advocacy, Baronet serves as the Stan Richards Professor in Creative Advertising at Southern Methodist University (SMU). On campus, he leads the annual “Home Is a Journey” campus walk, an event that allows students, advocates, and community members to collaborate on one of society’s most pressing challenges.
Participants in this year’s event, held on Nov. 15, assembled “blessing bags”– totes filled with essentials such as food, clothing, and personal care items, which can later be distributed to individuals needing help. It was followed by short speeches from local organizations in this space, such as Austin Street Center, and other SMU student groups.
The day culminated in a silent march from Doak Walker Plaza to Dallas Hall Lawn, with participants carrying real signs from Baronet’s collection—each one a poignant reminder of the humanity behind homelessness.
“This is our sixth annual ‘Home Is a Journey’ march,” Baronet shares. “The purpose of the blessing bags is to have something tangible to give when you encounter someone on the street. The silent walk disrupts the ordinary, making people stop and wonder what’s going on, all while raising awareness about homelessness.”
For SMU student Caleb Jennings, joining the event was a meaningful decision inspired by a human rights class.
“Homelessness is a big issue in Dallas. Many people live paycheck to paycheck, and being part of this cause feels important,” Jennings says. “Hopefully, what we can get out of today is to strengthen the community in Dallas and bring everyone together to solve this issue. Social media can also play a huge role in spreading awareness and promoting engagement.”
Baronet’s collection of signs, acquired from individuals experiencing homelessness, serves as the centerpiece of the WE ARE ALL HOMELESS project. His work extends beyond the SMU campus, with stories like that of Eddie, a man he met during a 2014 cross-country documentary project.
“Eddie was a heroin addict when we met, but now we’re close friends. Over the years, we’ve spoken on panels and even did a TEDx talk together,” Baronet says. “These signs tell stories and challenge the ‘us versus them’ mentality. It’s really about realizing it’s all just ‘us.’”
The project has reached audiences far beyond Dallas. Since 2009, over 90 WE ARE ALL HOMELESS exhibitions have been displayed at universities, museums, and galleries across the United States and the United Kingdom, including NYU, the University of Pennsylvania, Cambridge University, and more. These exhibits challenge viewers to confront issues often ignored and raise awareness about homelessness.
The event also drew support from local artists like Matt Yigit, a Dallas mosaic artist who first connected with Baronet at a creative event. “This program inspires me,” Yigit says. “I’ve only known Willie for a few months, but my goal is to host a mosaic workshop to raise funds for WE ARE ALL HOMELESS. Events like this bring people together, and I want to be a part of it.”
As the march concluded, Baronet reflected on its impact.
“If this inspires even small shifts like people smiling, waving, or making eye contact with someone experiencing homelessness, that’s progress,” he says. “I love seeing young people here because they’re the ones who will have creative ideas and carry this work forward. Homelessness is one of the most complex social issues we face, intersecting with everything from health care to LGBTQ rights. But events like this remind us of the power of collective action.”
Through the combined efforts of students, faculty, and community members, the “Home Is a Journey” march continues to spark meaningful conversations and inspire lasting change. As an annual tradition, Baronet invites everyone to stay tuned for next year’s walk and to join in this impactful movement.
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