MOOSE JAW — A new film addressing homelessness revisited several common misconceptions around the unhoused through a collaboration between Square One Community Inc. and the John Howard Society of Moose Jaw recently.
“A Home to Call My Own,” now accessible online, premiered before a limited audience at the Moose Jaw Public Library while simultaneously streaming on YouTube on Nov. 17.
“We are forever grateful that you’ve allowed us into your lives,” announced Mary-Lee Booth, board chair of Square One, as she thanked homeless individuals who participated in the film. “You’ve shared your thoughts, your personal stories, and by doing this you’ve given such a gift to the community.
“And no matter what goes on in the community — no matter what others say, think, or do — you’ve provided us with your truth and your facts.”
“A Home to Call My Own” was directed by Eric Steiner and explores the issue of homelessness in Moose Jaw through a human lens and celebrates the successful recovery of Frankie Christensen and Trevor Nekrasoff, among others.
Production spanned approximately three summer months and was made possible with support from Rogers TV.
Maxton Eckstein, co-ordinator of Square One, hopes the film inspires politicians and community leaders to act and bring about lasting, meaningful solutions.
The film reacts to numerous widespread myths about homelessness in Moose Jaw — myths that not only stigmatize and isolate vulnerable individuals, but also forms a barrier to the creation of lasting solutions.
“What we talk about in the film is what really goes on,” explained Christensen. “These are real people.”
The film addressed nine common myths including the belief that many homeless individuals are from out of town and that they’re simply “too lazy to get a job.”
One of these myths is that shelters and meal services only form a band-aid solution. Instead, these supports may be the only way unhoused individuals can get in touch with valuable community resources and overcome feelings of hopelessness.
“Without that support you can’t do anything, right, because you can get inside your own head. You can stay there,” Christensen explained. “The decision to get up and do something about it has to come from community… you go to a very dark… lonely place (where) you don’t think anybody cares.”
Another myth is that most homeless individuals are dangerous. Nekrasoff, who experienced five years on the streets, said most individuals end up there because they’re unwilling to deliberately hurt other people by joining street gangs for protection or dealing drugs.
Immediately after the half-hour viewing, Booth presented stars Christensen, Nekrasoff, Mariah, and Jen — Sherry was absent — with a commemorative plaque donated by Len and Bernie Mintenko at Grand MaPa Signs. Each star also received a handmade quilt donated by Colleen Oshowy.
Booth thanked the film’s planning team including Crystal Harvey, Crystal Peterson, Della Ferguson, and Max Eckstein.
Booth also wished to acknowledge and thank the Moose Jaw Police Service and Medavie Health Services West who each contributed to the film. “We appreciate their efforts and their contributions to helping this community stay safe and healthy.”
As well, she wished to thank St. Aidan Anglican Church for donating its kitchen area for filming and the Moose Jaw Public Library for offering its theatre for the viewing.
“In closing, I thought, ‘What do you say to a profound experience like this?’” Booth announced. “I think, Moose Jaw, we can be so proud that we take care of each other and that speaks to community. More than community, I think it speaks to family. And yes — we really are a family together.”
To learn more about Square One visit SquareOneHousingMooseJaw.com or call 306-631-9340.
To learn more about the John Howard Society visit JohnHoward.ca.
“A Home to Call My Own” can now be viewed anytime at YouTube.com/watch?v=YjkH3TphZEU.
