Homelessness charity Dublin Simon Community has launched a new campaign video using images generated by artificial intelligence (AI).
The film entitled 'Unfair City' tells the story of Justin Cannon who used to be homeless and is now a volunteer with Dublin Simon.
Mr Cannon was interviewed and his story animated using AI image generators.
While he has become comfortable talking about his past, that is not the norm and the charity hopes that the technology will be used in the future to help vulnerable people to tell their own stories while maintaining and protecting their anonymity, privacy and dignity.
Dublin Simon said that it has become more challenging to illustrate the impact and complex issues around homelessness and to inspire the public to offer help.
The charity hopes that the use of AI will garner wider interest and appeal to a new audience of younger more technologically minded donors.
"As we continue to navigate unchartered territory and unprecedented levels of homelessness and housing insecurity, innovation is needed now more than ever to protect the almost 9,000 people stuck in emergency accommodation in Dublin and the surrounding counties and the thousands more living in fear of losing their homes," said Catherine Kenny, CEO, Dublin Simon Community.
"The potential for this technology is huge for the charity sector."
"It gives us the opportunity to share these stories with our donors and supporters in a beautiful and impactful way," Ms Kenny said.
Dublin Simon said that although the images were generated with AI technology it also worked with artists in creating the overall effect and shaping the visual style of the film.
The video was produced by advertising agency BBDO Dublin and New York-based production company Lobo.
"One of the difficulties of telling stories of homelessness is that it can be very exposing for Dublin Simon's clients," said Robert Boyle, Creative Director and Head of Art at BBDO Dublin.
"Reliving traumatic moments in their lives in front of cameras, lights, and microphones can make them feel very vulnerable."
"The great benefit of using AI in this instance is that it allowed Justin to tell his story on his own terms in a way that was still visually engaging and evocative," Mr Boyle said.
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