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The Will to Change seeks to de-stigmatize and create empathy
A recently released documentary named ‘The Will to Change’ brings soulful light to the journey of homelessness experienced locally.
Kimberley filmmaker Mark Locki produced The Will to Change to de-stigmatize homelessness and to create empathy for those currently experiencing homelessness in the Cranbrook and East Kootenay area.
“In this film, three Cranbrook residents share their experience with homelessness, stigma and recovery,” Locki explained.
The film tells the story of the residents and their heart-wrenching journeys of falling into homelessness… and then bouncing back.
“As you might be aware, homelessness and housing insecurity are increasing in the East Kootenay region. Unfortunately, public shaming, discrimination and criminalization of people experiencing homelessness is also on the rise. Such negative attitudes profoundly affect the mental health of these vulnerable populations and hinder their ability to regain housing,” he said.
“To address this pressing issue, the Homeless Outreach and Prevention Program, part of Community Connections Society of Southeast BC, launched a short documentary film challenging stigmas on people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our communities.”
Locki said the film provides people experiencing “the brunt of the housing crisis in our region a voice in shaping public perceptions around homelessness. We hope this can contribute to building a more compassionate, respectful and inclusive society.”
The 17-minute film premiered on June 28, and a campaign inviting people to watch the film is currently running on social media until August 8.
“We are pleased to be able to share the film, The Will to Change. It is our hope that this film will help people to have more compassion and understanding of the plight of individuals who are homeless, have faced homelessness or are at risk of becoming homeless. It is also our desire that bringing awareness to this issue will help reduce the discrimination and stigmatization of the most vulnerable members of our society,” stated Tracy Pound and Erin Pan, Homeless Outreach and Prevention Program Coordinators.
Learn more about The Will to Change.
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
