On The Ground

Tonight we attended the world premiere of a documentary short (only ten minutes) about unhoused people in Portland. On the Ground was screened at the Oregon Historical Society and introduced by someone from Sisters of the Road who quoted Philip Pullman: “After nourishment, shelter and companionship, stories are the thing we need most in the world.”

The young man in this photograph was carrying around a white board, inviting people to write their answers to his question, “How can we end homelessness?”

Over and over, the answer voiced by people who are or have been unhoused is that we need to build community. Yes, we need housing for everyone; yes, we need basic human rights for people who live on the streets; yes, capitalism is the problem; yes, we need social services and support for people who are poor, for those who live with extreme mental states, and for those who have addictions they want to overcome. Yes, anyone could become homeless. (Well, almost anyone.) But more than that, they say, houseless people want connection. Unhoused people want those who are housed to see beyond the stigma, the stereotypes, the unkind words. “I’m not a transient; I’m a human being.” The film is moving and truthful. In another month it will be available on the internet, and when that happens I'll post a link.

I apologize for not responding to comments. The last few days have been intense: packed with activity, commitments, responsibilities, and pleasures. Tomorrow is more of the same, with two hugely important demonstrations I’ve been asked to document. I have read every word and will come back to respond, probably not till the day after tomorrow. Thank you for your comments and your empathy.