Frequently Asked Questions about the project
1. How did the project come about?
2. How do you find the interview subjects?
We simply approach people on the street and tell them about the project, its goals and ask them if they want to be involved. If they agree we set up the video equipment, talk about the process, what is involved and where the interview will end up. We then give them as much time as they need to tell their story.
3. Are the interviewees paid?
All people interviewed or photographed are paid, however some photos on the website are stock photos available for commercial use, license free. When we approach a homeless person initially, money and payment is not mentioned. The reason for this is what we only want people involved in the project who want to freely and willingly tell their story. We don't want being paid to influence the way they tell their story, or the way they feel about participating in the project. However at the completion of each interview, we thank them for their time and we pay them accordingly.
4. Is each interviewee aware of where their interview will end up?
Yes, this is discussed in the beginning before the interview takes place. Each interviewee also signs a standard release form that says that their video, image and voice may be used as part of the documentary, on the internet and anywhere else required for the project.
5. Is Voices of the Street a Charity or 501c3 organisation?
No, VOTS is an independent project and is not a charity or a 501c3 organisation.
6. What are the fund raised used for?
The monies raised are used to fund the expenses of the project and keep it running and growing. The purpose of the project is to give the homeless an avenue to be heard, through the interviews captured here, and by using the internet, social media and the press to share their story. This gives them a voice to let both the community and government of New York know what they lack and what they need to help get them off the street.
We pay each interviewee at the time of the interview but other than that the funds raised go into project costs.
The greater goal of the project is to have both the public and government hear their stories and then effect the change needed in our city to help the homeless of New York. Its important to understand that this is the greater goal of the project.
7. What are some of the expenses of the project?
It costs a lot to run the project. Our costs include:
- Paying the interview subjects
- Filming Assistants
- Video Equipment Costs and Video/Editing Software
- Camera, Video and Audio Supplies
- Editing
- Travel
- Project Management Costs: websites, subscriptions etc
- Music Licensing
- Promotion and Advertising on Social Media.
8. Why aren't the funds going to help homeless people to buy food, shelter and clothing?
The purpose of this project is not to support the homeless directly, but to create an avenue for New York's homeless to be heard, bring their stories and needs to the community, and to bring about change from the impact of hearing this from the homeless themselves.
The subjects understand this at the beginning and give their interview and time and because they are also passionate about our mission statement.
As discussed above each person is paid.
Other than that, the funds raised go to keeping the project running and capturing more voices.
There are plenty of ways that people can donate directly to organisations that assist homeless people with their immediate needs. Some of these include:
9. What can you do if you still have questions?
If we haven't answered your specific question here then please use our contact form to reach out to our support team who will be more than happy to answer your questions.