Documentary on fighting homelessness opens eyes in Columbus
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A documentary called “Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness” was screened in Columbus Tuesday night.
Dozens of people came to the Lincoln Theatre to watch the film and learn more about how cities across the country can potentially decrease the number of people living on the streets.
Filmmakers Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko said they decided to screen the documentary here because Columbus has the tools to solve the problem. Through making the film, Sawyer and Hashko said they realized that cities reducing homelessness are doing so by combining community resources.
“All we need to do is start working together,” Hashko, who served as cinematographer and editor for the film, said. “You know, all these disparate, siloed entities who are working oftentimes against each other, we can all get together and start talking the same language, speaking the same language and we can make it happen.”
Watch: Documentary on fighting homelessness opens eyes in Columbus
“Everywhere can do it and that’s what we hope they get out of this,” Sawyer, the film’s producer and director, said. “Everywhere can do it and so can we.”
Sawyer and Hashko said Columbus has the tools needed to solve homelessness and they wanted to show people here how it is possible.
Amanda Rodriguez watched the film and found it refreshing. She said she works in social work and is already familiar with what the homeless population is like in Columbus. She said the city is currently working toward solving homelessness.
“I think there are already programs and people out there who support this mission, who are ready to combat this mission and whatever it takes, so I think that it’s not just a matter of starting it, I think it’s a matter of pushing it further and pushing it harder,” Rodriguez said.
Olivia Guess, 15, also watched the documentary, saying she understands better why some people end up on the streets.
“There’s not a lot of availability for these people to actually have a good life and have a home, food to eat, etc.,” she said. “I think it is a big issue and it needs to be solved.”
Guess said she doesn’t know a whole lot about the homeless population in central Ohio, but “Beyond the Bridge” showed her there could be a way for the city to solve this.
“Columbus is growing as a community and there are so many more jobs to be brought in,” she said. “There isn’t a reason why these people should be homeless, especially since there are so many jobs. We should be helping them get to that point where they aren’t homeless anymore.”
Rodriguez, Guess and others who watched the documentary said they enjoyed the film and now feel more informed about homelessness in America. Many also said they want people everywhere to see the film.
To learn more about the documentary, click here.