By Jessica Beauplat

D’Arcy and Matt are the founders of Heart City Apparel. A young and vibrant clothing line with a slightly different twist. Walking around the city, they noticed the widespread homelessness that existed next to the street art. They figured that there had to be a way for the art to help people living in the streets. So, they got in touch with a Montreal street artist, and began their project. Ever since, they’ve continued to expand to cities throughout the world with the goal of allowing artists to truly give back to their cities. Let’s talk further about giving people a chance. 

Hi guys! You both have very interesting backgrounds, growing up in different parts of the world. Could you tell us a little bit about that and how did it influence your view of the world? 

D’Arcy: Being lucky enough to grow up in different corners of the globe has definitely been a defining aspect of my life. Born in the UK, and having my early childhood spent in Ghana and France before arriving to the US exposed me to a variety of cultures and backgrounds early on, setting the tone for my current interests in international development and cross culture exchange. I was brought up in an environment that pushed me to reach out to people different from myself, and to learn and grow from these relationships. Travelling, as one might see from my 8 months of backpacking last year, is definitely my passion, along with learning as much as I can from those I meet along the way.

Matt: I moved around back and forth from New York to Paris to Connecticut throughout my childhood. It really helped me accept and empathize with different people and cultures. 

What do you find unique about Montreal’s creative community?

D’Arcy: There is this buzz in Montreal, one that is being filled by this young, entrepreneurial generation of hip and passionate 20 to 30 year olds. There is an unbelievable amount of passion, and talent in the creative communities of Montreal. Be that of the street artists, nightlife gurus, musicians and vibrant students population, of which seem to all come together in this creative space emerging in the city.

Matt: The art scene in Montreal really seems to have come together in the last few years. For example, on St. Laurent you’ll find a creative hub (Lndmrk, Saintwoods, Station16 Gallery) all located in the same building. They are all coming together and collaborating on so many different projects. It’s really cool to not only witness that culture but slowly becoming ingrained in it.

How do you explain two young entrepreneurs being more interested in the issue of homelessness in the city rather than money?

D’Arcy: Haha, would it be cheesy to just say it provides a sort of moral satisfaction that keeps us running? It also helps that both our backgrounds (History and International Development) haven’t exactly trained us to be money hungry. Instead we want to look into our communities, learn from them, and try to give back.

Matt: Having a purpose is what keeps both a person and a business going. I think we’re fortunate to be more obsessed with helping the disenfranchised and exposing art. We feel a moral obligation to keep going. Whereas if it were just for the money, there would be no purpose, it would be no fun and the day-to-day struggles would not be worth putting up with.

Through social media, you are humanizing people living in the streets by sharing their stories. Why is it important for you to share their world?

D’Arcy: A lot of the time, and even we ourselves have previously been guilty of this, people aren’t able to (and aren’t forced to) relate to homelessness. The ever unspoken “other” of our communities usually causes us to walk by quickly without considering their own stories, of which are more like our own than some might think.

Matt: Through this campaign we’ve met some incredibly kind and open people who are really no different from you and me. Often, there was just a period in their lives (a rough upbringing, an accident, a sickness) that landed them there. A lot of people walk by and think it’s their fault for being there – we want to help those people understand that there’s a lot more to it.

What were you the most surprise to learn as you got to meet the homeless community? 

D’Arcy: Personnally, I was surprised by how relatable their problems can be, and how you never really have this mind set of “Oh, one day I might be homeless” but neither did most of those that are currently in the streets.

Matt: As for me, I discovered that they’re willing to give so much. They’re often the first to share what they have – whether it’s food, a blanket or their time. It really goes to show that those who have the least always give the most.

What is the single thing that keeps you going day after day? 

D’Arcy: Knowing that so many people are supporting our movement because they, like us, understand that this social good is worth fighting for.

Matt: The fact that more and more people are wearing our shirts and sweaters and identifying with an artist and a charitable cause instead of solely a brand name.

Heart City Apparel is a philanthropic urban wear company that takes artists from around the world and gives back to the homeless in their cities. To learn more and how to get involved check out www.heartcityapparel.com