My name is Sarah O’Connell-Austin, and I’m the founder
of 3rd Eye Street Media, a grassroots initiative here in Ottawa. We aim to give an unfiltered
voice to those of us experiencing poverty and homelessness, providing content that truly
represents our reality on the streets.
I’m reaching out because I believe in the power of collaboration and would love to explore
opportunities for partnership, guidance, and support as I work to grow this platform into a
sustainable force for change.
About 3rd Eye Street Media
3rd Eye Street Media was born from years of struggle on the streets during the pandemic,
facing daily stigmatization and social exclusion. This initiative is fueled by the frustration
and anger from my personal experiences and the stories of others like me. We’re
dedicated to sharing ground-level perspectives on issues like systemic inequities,
housing instability, and societal exclusion of those in poverty, with mental illness, or
substance abuse problems. Our goal is to challenge the societal divide and inspire
change through the stories of resilience from our community.
Mission: To bring humanity to Ottawa’s marginalized communities, offering a raw, unfiltered, ground-level perspective on poverty and homelessness. By fostering compassion and understanding, we aim to bridge the divide between the realities of life on the streets and
the perceptions of mainstream citizens and
decision-makers. Thus, inspiring meaningful
connection and change.
- minimize socio economic discrimination and fight stigma
- Contribute towards a common goal of ending poverty and homelessness
- Provide a non judgemental publishing platform for everyone !
- Provide a comprehensive view of issues that relate to poverty and homelessness so that everyone has a chance to be heard .
Vision: we envision an Ottawa where those with lived experiences drive the policies and programs affecting their lives, fostering understanding, equality, and compassion.
Values: Empathy, authenticity, inclusion, and resilience.
Why Third Eye Street Media?
Amplifying Voices: We publish art, news, media, and personal stories created by individuals directly affected by poverty and homelessness.
Raising Awareness: We challenge misconceptions and combat misinformation by sharing authentic, in-poverty perspectives.
Advocating for Change: We represent the experiences and opinions of the homeless and low-income population on issues that impact them, influencing public policy and societal attitudes.
Judgment-Free Publishing: We ensure that every voice is heard without fear of judgment or prejudice. Our content is created with the utmost respect and sensitivity.
Creating Social Impact: We fill a crucial gap in the media landscape by providing a platform where the voices of the homeless and low-income population are not just heard but valued.
Collaborative Approach: We work closely with local artists, journalists, and community organizations to create inclusive and impactful content that resonates with a broad audience.
About me:
I’m an artist, veterinary technician, writer, activist, and mother. Since 2020, I’ve faced chronic housing
instability and homelessness in Ottawa. These experiences shape my advocacy and artistic vision. 3rd
Eye Street Media is my way to channel the struggles I’ve faced into something positive so that I can show my son our struggles and hardship aren’t in vain. That through these challenges we might benefit others, because the streets are getting more crowded every day.
My connection to poverty activism runs deep. My grandmother, Dorothy O’Connell, was Ottawa’s “poet
laureate of the poor” and a trailblazing advocate for low-income families and public housing tenants.
Her work inspires me, and I’m determined to keep her legacy alive through my efforts.
In 1968, Dorothy co-founded the Ottawa Tenants’ Council after moving into social housing. She helped
establish Ottawa’s first community legal clinic, the Dalhousie Community Health Clinic, and the Ottawa
Women’s Credit Union, which provided financial access to low-income women. As the first non-lawyer
appointed to Ottawas legal aid board and also on the Ontario’s Social Assistance Review Board, she helped shape provincial social justice policies.
She sparred with city leaders, advocated nationally on issues of poverty and housing, and worked
closely with progressive figures like Mayor Marion Dewar.
I’m determined to have her legacy be remembered by this city. It lives on through the institutions she
built, her writings, my family, and her lasting impact on social justice in Canada. Honoured by the
monument in her honour on the lawn of Ottawas city hall. The Dorothy O’Connell award for anti-poverty activism monument by c.j.fleury.
As a grassroots organization, I run 3rd Eye Street Media on my own as of right now. I have very little support and minimal resources while navigating my own challenges . I’m putting my all into this to see my vision come to life although I’m still dealing with the challenges of my own housing instability and mental health issues. I’m reaching out for anyone to assist me in this initiative.
Here’s how you can help:
Monetary donations (of course)
My main cost concerns right now are :
1. Funds so I can do a business registration with the Cra and become an official non profit organization.
2. Materials and equipment for content creation and marketing.
3. Enough money to be able to maintain some very effective softwares and subscriptions that I use to develop content and marketing materials.
4. Money so I can offer honorariums and incentives to people in need for sharing stories with me.
There’s many other aspects that need funding but these are my immediate needs.
Other ways to help:
In kind donations of materials, goods, space,equipment, or things for people in need/people on the street that I. Can distribute in outreach initiatives.
Gift cards that I can provide people In need with. Items or cards that can be use as incentives,prizes,rewards etc to help people while furthering my mission.
Anyone willing to offer mentorship or advice in any way.
Anyone wanting to explore collaborative opportunities to expand the reach of our work.
Provide donations or in-kind support to help sustain our mission.
Share guidance on navigating systemic barriers so we can create a city free from poverty and poverty discrimination.
Get Involved
Join us in creating a more compassionate Ottawa. Whether you’re an artist, storyteller, volunteer, or supporter, there’s a place for you at Third Eye Street Media. Together, we can foster understanding, challenge stereotypes, and inspire lasting social change.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
