Street Living is not a choice

The Communauté de pratique municipale en itinérance brings together several Quebec cities—including Longueuil, Sherbrooke, Gatineau, Lévis, Québec City, and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu—facing a shared challenge: a rise in homelessness and limited resources to address it.

In response, the community launched a bold pilot project: a series of animated video vignettes to raise public awareness and spark meaningful dialogue. To bring these essential tools to life, they turned to the creative team at 2 Square Films.

Aimed at the general public, the first two vignettes focus on breaking down stigma and inviting collective reflection on solutions.

We approached the project with care and intention, aware of the lingering stigma surrounding homelessness and the importance of striking the right tone.

The result: a graphic style that’s visually engaging and emotionally resonant—crafted to connect with a broad audience.

The Community of Practice team played an active role in shaping the content, from scripting the narratives to refining ideas throughout the creative process. Through close collaboration, we arrived at a clear, impactful voice.

We began by illustrating key frames and building a storyboard, complete with voice guidance and music to establish rhythm and tone. These elements guided the animation phase, followed by careful editing and final touches.

Each vignette, about 90 seconds long, carries a powerful emotional charge—humanizing those affected by homelessness and reminding us that no one is immune. The message is simple and urgent: tolerance and solidarity are essential.

The animation was brought to life by Éric Trottier, 2 Square’s one-man creative orchestra, under the direction of Stéphane Landry, creative producer, with expressive illustrations by artist Laurent Pinabel.