United Way/Centraide Stormont, Dundas, & Glengarry (UWC SDG) is inviting the community to watch the documentary US AND THEM and then discuss with stakeholders who are currently working to solve the housing and homelessness crisis that is gripping our communities.

The UWC SDG is hosting its first ever event to highlight World Holemessness Week. On Friday, October 15th, the Port Theatre will screen the Canadian documentary US AND THEM at 7:15PM (doors open at 7PM). The film will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by the UWC SDG that will feature representatives from the Akwesasne Healing Centre, Centre 105, Roy McMurtry Legal Clinic, House of Lazarus and the Social & Housing Services Department with the City of Cornwall.

US AND THEM is a powerful documentary composed of striking portraits of four extraordinary homeless individuals as they struggle with addictions. The film is directed by Krista Loughton and Jennifer Abbott. The story follows Loughton’s ten-year journey exploring the worlds of Dawnellda, Stan, Eddie and Karen, who she attempts to help. In the end, it is Loughton herself who is changed. Punctuated with First Nations wisdom, and Dr. Gabor Maté’s insight into the root causes of addiction, the film shows there is no difference between US AND THEM.

This initiative is part of a larger effort across Canada to bring attention to the issues of homelessness and addiction that is gripping many communities, including our own. US AND THEM has been touring North American communities, rural and urban, from coast-to-coast and at every showing, the audience response is the same — they are deeply moved. People leave the theatre and typically never look at someone living on our streets the same way again.

“Homelessness is not something we see in our region the same way we see it in larger cities, but it exists right under our noses. Couch surfing, living in older motels, squatting, and even setting up camp in Tent City are all realities for many living in SDGCA. The stories depicted in the film are lived experiences here, and we need to be talking about it,” said Juliette Labossière, Executive Director of UWC SDG.

Everyone is invited to attend this special event that is being sponsored by the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Champlain East. You can reserve your spot on Eventbrite but you are also invited to simply show up at the door. Cost for entry to this event will be a ‘donate what you can’ format. Donations will benefit both the United Way Centraide SDG and the Akwesasne Healing Centre
Don’t miss this one-night event that will tackle some very real and difficult issues that we not only need to be aware of, but also talking about.

Visit the United Way/Centraide SDG website to learn more: https://unitedwaysdg.com/event/us- and-them-film-screening-panel-discussion/