British urban artist Dom Pattinson to give free artwork to New York’s homeless

British artist Dom Pattinson has come up with a novel approach for providing aid to the city’s homeless population. During the month of March, Pattinson plans on distributing free works of art to homeless New Yorkers, which they in turn will be able to exchange for hot meals at certain food vendors. The exchanged art will then be collected, and auctioned off for Haiti Children’s Appeal.

“I want to continue with what my parents showed me, that we are equal in importance,” says the artist. “As the saying goes, the pen (or brush) is mightier than the sword.”

Much of Pattinson’s past work has touched on the topics of human rights and inequality. Last year, he pulled a similar stunt, giving out free artwork around New York, and his most famous work features a rainbow-colored zebra, meant to signify equality and anti-homophobia. (George Clooney gave one of his prints to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie for their wedding.)

So far, the traveling pizza truck Pizza Luca has signed up to be a participating vendor. Feeling in a charitable mood yourself? Here are some easy ways that you can help New York’s homeless or volunteer during these cold winter months.