‘Beyond the Bridge’ plays at the Rio Theatre on Feb. 13.
Two filmmakers traveled 40,000 miles to visit cities across the U.S. trying to answer one question: How can our country solve homelessness in a comprehensive way?
Not only did they find an answer, but the strategy that is finding success elsewhere is one that service providers in Santa Cruz County already embrace: working in deep coordination. In two large cities, the filmmakers found that a single homelessness response system plan based on the principles of Housing First that includes partnership from law enforcement, judicial systems, businesses, volunteers, service providers, city and county leadership made the most impact.
Join the conversation about homelessness in Santa Cruz County and beyond with a screening of “Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness” at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13 at the Rio Theatre.
“The information and the solution that this film puts forth is one that I’m familiar with and is something that Housing Matters has already embraced,” said Don Lane, former Santa Cruz mayor and board member for Housing Matters. “It’s also something I don’t think many people in the community have understood.”
The Housing First approach prioritizes housing for those experiencing homelessness and uses the stability of a safe place to call home as a platform for people to improve their quality of life and pursue goals.
“This event is an opportunity for anyone in Santa Cruz County to learn, engage and take part in real solutions to homelessness,” said Mer Stafford, Chief Impact Officer for Housing Matters. “The transformational impact of Housing First depends on all of us coming together – through advocacy, action, and community collaboration. This event will inspire us to become a better community.”
Housing Matters also believes the solution lies in a systemic, unified approach across public and private agencies that offer services and resources to people experiencing homelessness.
Santa Cruz County is rich with organizations, advocates and leaders supporting a sustainable, dignified solution to resolve homelessness — many of whom, like Housing Matters, have been working toward positive outcomes for decades. “Beyond the Bridge” is just as much for long-time advocates as it is for citizens interested in learning more about how to help.
The film screening and panel discussion is a collaboration with the City of Santa Cruz Department of Economic Development and Housing, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, City of Santa Cruz Mayor Fred Keeley and former Mayor and Housing Matters board member, Don Lane. More than sharing the solution, the film aims to create and carry thought-provoking conversations about creating a comprehensive, Housing First model as a solution to homelessness.
Panelists include:
- Mace Crowbear – Restorative Justice Center panelist (District Attorney’s Office of Santa Cruz County), Conflict Resolution Center certified mediator, Santa Cruz Community Health board member and Housing Matters Speaker Bureau member
- Justin Cummings – Third District Supervisor, County of Santa Cruz
- Chris Field – Housing Matters Speakers Bureau member
- Tim Hashko – Filmmaker, Cinematographer/Editor
- Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson – Vice Mayor, City of Santa Cruz
- Don Sawyer – Filmmaker, Producer/Director
- Jessica Scheiner – Housing for Health Manager, County of Santa Cruz, Human Services Department, Housing for Health Division
“If you’re interested in knowing what we’re finding as very successful, this is your chance to see solutions that work in an accessible way,” Lane said.
Following the screening, the event will feature a panel discussion with the filmmakers and community leaders about how to get involved in local solutions. More importantly, it’s an opportunity to collectively discuss and hear about programs happening as a community.
Skip the line and buy your ticket today! Tickets are $12 and are available online. To learn more and buy tickets, visit Housing Matters website.
