Building Hope : Ending Homelessness
Documentary
a film by Richard Kane and Melody Lewis-Kane
One of the worst societal traumas of this century “BUILDING HOPE: Ending Homelessness” puts a face on those experiencing homelessness and tells us it could happen to anyone. But there is hope. We can all make a difference.
“… it really nailed down all of the complexities of the unhoused, and the variety of solutions, told with the powerful honesty of individuals.” Allison Hepler, Maine legislator
“… told with compassionate honesty” Jane Field, Maine Council of Churches
“…Full of dignity and community.” Alison Lovejoy, Preble Street
“… a moving, informative, and inspiring documentary.” Bonnie Tai, professor College of the Atlantic
SYNOPSIS
BUILDING HOPE explores the stories and more of those caught in the daily crisis of homelessness. With the help of respected state advocates, many have risen above their circumstances to find housing and jobs and are becoming productive members of society. Others, due to mental illness and substance use disorder, have yet to succeed.
Today, it is even more difficult due to the dearth of affordable housing and the influx of asylum seekers taking up so many of the beds at our cities’ shelters. The film explores the whys and the hows our society can heal the suffering. Maine’s Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross talks about her own vulnerabilities growing up, and now the $100 million dollars that she has led the state to invest in affordable housing. Maine Independent Senator Angus King addresses the inadequacies of our minimum wage and the government tax incentive bills he co-sponsors to give confidence to developers to create affordable housing and emergency shelters. Developer Kevin Bunker, the force behind building Portland’s new Homeless Services Center and the new Asylum Seekers Center, talks about the root causes of inequality in our system.
Preble Street’s Mark Swann laments over his City’s sweeps of encampments, yet his hope “springs eternal.” Community Housing of Maine’s Cullen Ryan makes crystal clear the damage that is done both to individuals without housing and to our society as a whole.
Free Reservation | $15+ suggested donation
Please be sure to reserve your seat (at no cost). Donations can be made in person on the night of the screening.
