A group of community leaders is bringing a documentary to Penticton to provide insight into homelessness and address misconceptions.
A screening of Us and Them by documentary filmmakers Krista Loughton and Jennifer Abbott will show at Okanagan College in the Lecture Theatre of the Ashnola Building on Nov. 21 with doors opening at 6 p.m. The film is being presented by 100 Homes Penticton. Admission is free.
“We hope that the screening of this film and the conversation it will stimulate, will help us to put a human face on the issue of homelessness in Penticton,” said Tanya Behardien, executive director, OneSky Community Resources and chair of the 100 Homes Penticton committee. “For too long the focus has been the end result of homelessness, rather than the triggers on the journey that got that person there. It is such a fine line in today’s society that could put any one of us in the same position. We need to start changing the conversation in order to create real and long lasting solutions.”
The feature documentary chronicles Loughton’s experience over a 10-year span befriending four people living without homes who ultimately change the course of her life. She participates on-screen, while producing and being one of its writers and directors.
“I wanted to educate as many people as possible on the realities of homelessness and to encourage proactive solutions. I also want people to watch the film and never look at a street person, or themselves, in the same way again,” Loughton said in a press release.
The group 100 Homes Penticton includes a variety of community leaders who continue to work on a strategic vision to build a system of housing and supports to prevent and address homelessness in Penticton. To learn more, visit http://unitedwaycso.com/how-we-help/poverty/100-homes/
To reserve tickets go to usandthempenticton.eventbrite.ca
Where: Okanagan College Penticton, Ashnola Building/Lecture Theatre, 583 Duncan Ave. Penticton, BC
When: Wed., Nov. 21
Time: 6 p.m. - doors open
6:30 p.m. - screening of Us and Them, a film by Krista Loughton and Jennifer Abbott
8:00 to 8:30 p.m. - panel discussion