What it is really like to have no home—and what can be done?

Movies that Matter offer insight at no cost to you

By Jeff Margolis

Much media attention has been given to the problem of homelessness but most people do not really know what it is like to have no place to go home to, and they do not know what homeless individuals are like. You can gain insight into this important issue by viewing the third film in this season’s Movies that Matter, Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series.

“The Invisible Class” is an award-winning, groundbreaking new documentary about homelessness in America. The film explores what it truly means to be homeless in America, challenging stereotypes and examining the systemic causes of mass homelessness in the wealthiest nation in the world. The film depicts a day in the life of homeless populations across America.

Because of the importance of the housing issue in our area and throughout the U.S., everyone registered for “The Invisible Class” will also receive a link to another highly acclaimed award-winning film: “Finding Hope – Beyond Homelessness.” This film not only examines the root causes of homelessness but includes possible solutions. “Finding Hope” shows that there are ways to tackle homelessness. Those who view this film find encouragement and often want to become part of the solution. These films will be available by link beginning Oct. 26.

Movies that Matter is a special film series that, in addition to presenting films at no cost, gives viewers the opportunity to hear from a panel of experts on the film’s subject and learn how it relates to our local area. The panel members scheduled to discuss homelessness include Steve Brooder, CEO of St. Matthew’s House, and Mike Overway, executive director of the Hunger and Homeless Coalition of Collier County.

The panel discussion will take place via Zoom on Nov. 1 at 4 p.m. To obtain a link to the films and the panel discussions, simply visit www.hmcec.org and go to the link for events. This site will also allow you to make donations or become a sponsor of the only human rights film series in Southwest Florida.

Thank you to our sponsors and donors. If you have questions, staff can be reached at info@hmcec.org.

“Movies that Matter: The Steve Brazina Memorial Film Series” is a collaborative effort of the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center, GenShoah of SWFL, Temple Shalom, Jewish Federation of Greater Naples, the Federation’s Jewish Community Relations Council, Interfaith Alliance of SWFL, BRIDGES and Naples United Church of Christ.