Chicago film, “The Interrupters”

Why every city resident must see Chicago film, “The Interrupters” | Chicago Muckrakers.

Every City Needs Its Heroes.
Directed by Steve James. Produced by Alex Kotlowitz and Steve James.

An epic tale of courage and hope, The Interrupters is a new film from Chicago-based director/producer Steve James (Oscar-nominated for Hoop Dreams) and award-winning author-turned-producer Alex Kotlowitz (There Are No Children Here), whose original article inspired the film.

As Simple as Shoes

When a story motivates a reader to take action, that’s a great thing.

In Monday’s RedEye, we ran a portion of an article by the Chicago Tribune about homeless gay youths on the streets of Boystown.

It began with this paragraph: “Feet aching in worn-out gym shoes, Robert Dibbles walks the streets of East Lakeview, always on an uncertain path.”

For a loyal RedEye Twitter follower, the path was a little more certain. I received a direct message asking me how to get in touch with the person in the article to give him some shoes.

For anyone that thinks one person can’t make a difference, I’d beg to differ. What a wonderful message to receive.

I suggested she reach out to The Night Ministry, a Chicago nonprofit that has worked with LGBT youths in Lakeview for decades, because it was mentioned prominently in the article. Hopefully our reader and the ministry can work together to do something awesome for someone who really needs it.

via News stories that inspire action – chicagotribune.com.

Paint It Black

Night Ministry Bus

This brings back memories.  A great, worthwhile program.

Helping the Homeless be Heard

We Are Visible – SIGN UP SPEAK OUT BE SEEN – helping you connect to the social world.

The video I just posted came from the site above.  I was watching the news and they interviewed a formerly homeless woman from Chicago who said when she started using Social Media the thing that meant the most to her was just knowing someone was out there listening to her.

But it goes beyond that.  It gives them a sense of normalcy and serves as a tool to find resources, submit resumes, and get their life back on track. Those homeless who are able to afford phones cling to that connection to the “normal” world.  Those who can’t afford phones to stay connected find free web access at libraries and other places.