The Porchlight project leveraged a massive 3,000 square foot mural as a core component of its design concept: “Art melts walls.” The mural, created by artist Van Helten, was not intended merely as decoration, but as a bridge to connect the housed and unhoused communities and challenge negative perceptions. By transforming the building into a canvas, the mural erased the typical idea of a “shelter,” instead creating intrigue—passersby wondered if the facility was a museum or arts school. This unique approach, combined with Van Helten’s grounded process of community engagement, helped break down negative stereotypes.

The power of art to prompt curiosity and reveal humanity was crucial to the design team’s aim: to strip away negative assumptions and foster mutual, meaningful relationships. Co-founder Jenn LaFreniere noted that because of Bellevue’s polarized wealth demographic, public art was a rare, universally appreciated asset. The mural successfully served as that connection point, helping to melt the walls between the residents and the broader community while simultaneously elevating the facility to a place that empowers, instills dignity and respect, and offers a crucial step toward success.