‘I Was Here,’ created by homelessness charity St Mungo’s, is a collaboration with street artist Luke Embden, which has been unveiled in King Street.
It transforms the traditional graffiti-style name tag into a tribute to survival and hope.
The national project features installations in Reading, Bristol, and London, and each mural reflects the lived experience of someone who has overcome homelessness with the charity’s support.
Each mural includes a QR code that passers-by can scan to hear the personal stories of the individuals who inspired the artwork.
One of those stories belongs to Tamika, whose mural appears in Reading.
She spent more than a decade sleeping rough before being supported by St Mungo’s Housing First programme, which prioritises stable housing and personalised support.
Ellie Alway-Thomas, St Mungo’s Senior Service Manager in Oxford and Reading, said: “Rough sleeping is a lonely and difficult reality for the people we support.
“This campaign highlights that homelessness really can happen to anyone.
“In spite of this, recovery is possible.
“Stories like Tamika’s show what’s possible when we work directly with people experiencing homelessness and provide them with services to find paths off the streets for good.
“Her mural paints the perfect picture of support, not stigma, which is exactly what is needed in today’s homelessness emergency.”
Tamika said: “I spent thirteen years sleeping rough, and it’s an experience like no other.
“People have no idea how hard it is just to survive; you can’t cook yourself a meal, can’t look after yourself, can’t take pride in anything you’ve done.
“When St Mungo’s asked if I wanted to join their Housing First scheme I jumped at the chance.
“The program gives people their own space and a stable home as a starting point, with the team supporting every step of the way, for as long as it’s needed.
“It felt like a real chance to change things for myself.
“Now I live in my own flat with my dog Bubbles.
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“It’s somewhere for me to relax, cook, and feel proud of.
“I’m back in touch with my family, and I’m happy.
“It’s given me my confidence back.”
St Mungo’s currently supports 35 people in Reading through the Housing First programme.
Last autumn, 43 people were estimated to be rough sleeping in Reading.
Street artist, Luke, said: “It has been a privilege to develop these artworks with St Mungo’s.
“All too often, people see homelessness on the streets but walk on by, unsure of how to help.
“These murals are a reminder that by supporting charities like St Mungo’s, you can help to provide tailored support which leads to long-term recovery.”
Each mural tells a different story, inspired by individuals who have successfully moved off the streets and begun to rebuild their lives.
St Mungo’s supported more than 28,000 people last year.
Around 2,000 people receive help on any given night through 138 specialist services, which include accommodation, mental and physical health care, substance use support, learning, training and employment services, and specialist support for women.
‘I Was Here’ expands on the charity’s previous ‘We’re Here’ campaign and serves as both a public reminder of the reality of homelessness and a call to action.
The Reading mural can be seen on King Street until July 29.