United Way Oxford Offers a Look at Homelessness

Monday, 30 September 2019 08:48

Ahead of World Homeless Day in October, United Way Oxford will be hosting a free event to raise awareness on the issue. They will be playing a documentary that highlights homelessness, taking place inside Calvary Church on October 10th.

WOODSTOCK - United Way Oxford will be showing a documentary focusing on homelessness in honour of World Homeless Day next month.

The film "Us and Them" was shot by Canadian filmmaker Krista Loughton who documents the lives of homeless people.

Executive Director Kelly Gilson says Loughton has worked with different United Way organizations across Canada to help promote the film.

"It's really great that we're able to have it here because October 10th is World Homeless Day so it's a great tie in, and the message I think is so powerful because it's such a timely topic here in Oxford County. And so we're thrilled that Calvary Church has offered to host us, they have a fabulous facility."

The documentary was filmed over a decade, which is a deeply visceral film that looks at a transformation through human connection. In the beginning of the movie, Loughton is questioned by an addiction expert Dr. Gabor
Maté about her need to relieve pain in the world, which takes her back to a time where she befriended four chronically homeless people in an effort to help them heal their lives.

Gilson adds they invite everyone, from community members to local agencies to learn and gain some understanding on homelessness and some of the challenges.

She says she wanted to show this film because of the homelessness happening throughout the region, including in Woodstock.

"As we've heard about that over the last little while and I think as community members become far more aware because the issue is becoming more visible for people, not that it is a new issue it is certainly just more visible. Then I think it's important to open up dialogue and to bring people together to, again, increase their understanding to perhaps increase some empathy, as well as understanding the complexity of homelessness and some of those associated issues."

Following the film, a Q&A will be held, along with hearing from local people who will share their stories of homelessness.

Since it was founded, World Homeless Day has been observed in several dozen countries throughout the world. Its purpose is to draw attention to homeless people's local needs and provide opportunities for the community to get involved.

The free event will be on October 10th, going from 7:00-9:00 pm inside the Calvary Church. The doors open at 6:30 pm. Also, donations are accepted.