Perou's photographs illuminate youth street life for Homelessness and the Arts project

Perou spent time with homeless young people in Manchester and Liverpool, asking them to choose significant locations from their life stories. His images are being shown alongside photographs by the young people themselves as part of an online exhibition, Homelessness and the Arts. Photograph: Perou

Ashley, Manchester

Ashley makes his bed each night in a corridor on the eighth floor of a multi-storey car park in Manchester city centre. On the bright side, the morning visit form the car park security guard acted as a helpful wakeup call for Ashley. Ashley is still living on the streets of Manchester. Photograph: Perou

Natalie, 19, Liverpool

This alleyway between a disused building and a car park used to be Natalie’s bedroom. This is where Natalie and other homeless youngsters in Liverpool would gather together to use the cover of a crumbling building as a temporary shelter. Natalie is now living in a hostel in Liverpool. Photograph: Perou

Patrick, Manchester

This year Patrick spent four months sleeping rough on the streets of Manchester. During this time Patrick’s health rapidly deteriorated, to the extent that agonising pain in his feet meant that he could barely walk. Patrick is now working towards gaining his own tenancy. Photograph: Perou

Phil, 18, Liverpool

Phil has slept in lots of places all over Liverpool including an abandoned warehouse and under a motorway flyover. His favourite location is a small ledge next to a factory where a ventilation duct blowing hot air helped him stay warm at night. Phil is now living in a hostel in Liverpool. Photograph: Perou

Argument with Family

This photo reminds me of all the arguments I had every day with me Mam or Nan or me brother. My Mam always used to say I was the black sheep of the family. It would always be me to blame even if I wasn’t there. I first got kicked out what I was 14. Photograph: Anonymous

Sofa Surfing

My mum’s friend was able to let me sleep on her sofa for a short time while I tried to secure somewhere else to stay. Although I was grateful, it was very uncomfortable and I had trouble sleeping, but all I thought was that I was glad I did not have to sleep on the street. (Photo 4 of 6 by Kieran, Nuneaton.) Photograph: Kieran, Nuneaton

Bike and Bag

After being evicted, I had nowhere to stay and all I was left with was a bike and a bag of clothes. This was very scary because I had nowhere to stay and did not know where to go for help. I was very lonely and the only positive I had was knowing that my Mum had a place to stay. (Photo 2 of 6 by Kieran, Nuneaton.) Photograph: Kieran, Nuneaton