This award winning homeless video profiles several very different homeless people who struggle with homelessness during one year.
Produced in collaboration with homeless people and shown on PBS, this thought provoking homeless video is recommended by the National Coalition for the Homeless. The video is widely considered to be the best and most broadly applicable case study available on the scope and diversity of homelessness in America.
"The Homeless Home Movie" interweaves the stories of five very different homeless people over the course of a year. They range from a pregnant 15 year old runaway (Tina) to a couple who live in their car (Ken and Debbie) as well as a Vietnam Vet (West Side) who lives out year round, and a man (Greg) bankrupted after his daughter's long fight with leukemia. Their opinions, actions, and histories come together to expose the harsh realities and problems of homelessness.
The personal stories of the various homeless people are complemented by the contrasting viewpoints of two compelling homeless advocates, whose radically different ideas create a powerful and provocative debate throughout the video. Mary Jo Copeland, sometimes called the "Mother Teresa of America," represents a traditional charitable and religious approach to homelessness. She is in sharp opposition to Mark Thisius, founder and leader of Up and Out of Poverty; his strong belief in social justice has led him to organize the takeover and occupation of more than 100 HUD homes and properties.
Together all seven of these contemporary stories create a dramatic and diverse portrait of homelessness that will provoke discussion about the social, psychological, and political dimensions of poverty, homelessness, and welfare.
Movie Produced and Directed by Pat Hennessey - Media Visions, Inc. Pat Hennessey is currently based in Minneapolis.
The Making
of the "Movie"
