A new documentary is offering a closer look at homelessness through the stories of people who lived in encampments in Cobourg and Peterborough.
“HOME,” produced by acclaimed filmmaker Linda Schuyler with Canadian Screen Award-winning filmmaker Will Bowes, takes viewers inside the former Brookside youth detention facility in Cobourg, where an encampment operated for months, before travelling to Peterborough’s tiny-home community.
Schuyler, who has a home in Northumberland County, says she wanted to look beyond the tents and get to know the people living there. The documentary explores how circumstances including job losses, family deaths, abusive relationships, addiction and mental health challenges contributed to homelessness.
The film also features Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland, local residents and business owners, along with Peterborough councillors Keith Riel and Alex Bierk.
Schuyler says she hopes the documentary challenges perceptions of homelessness and encourages conversations about better solutions.
“HOME” premieres Oct. 10 at 8 p.m. on TVO, which coincides with World Homeless Day. It will also be available digitally starting Oct. 9 at 9 a.m. through TVO Docs’ YouTube channel, website and Smart TV app.
(Richard Evans)
