“Good evening, everyone. My name is Tarik Dallinger-Dimizio. I want to start by thanking organizations like the Foyer Foundation and the dreamers who empower others, not because it’s expected, but because it’s the right thing to do for humanity.
These groups are changing lives by addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing the basic needs everyone deserves, but too many are denied due to their circumstances. There’s no single type of person who experiences homelessness or walks through the doors of a Foyer. You can see this diversity in their art—each piece tells a unique story of struggle, resilience, and hope.
These artworks are more than just images; they’re a powerful representation of what you don’t always see. They show the impact of early intervention and the advantage-thinking philosophy—people not just surviving, but thriving. They’re getting jobs, attending therapy, pursuing education, earning driver’s licenses, and gaining the confidence to make their own choices and shape their futures. These stories, these lives, are the masterpiece we’d see if we could capture it all on canvas.
But the work isn’t done. So, I’m calling on each of you to push harder. Change starts with you—yes, you. No one is too small or too incapable of making a difference. You are the ripple effect. Be the dreamer. Be the person who looks ahead, who dares to envision a new standard where everyone has the chance to thrive.
Start a fundraiser. Advocate for change. Dream big—maybe even build your own Foyer. Whatever you do, take that first step. Together, we can turn these ripples into waves of lasting change.
