The Story of Impact: How one film is shifting policy and perceptions one town at a time 

Documentaries are a powerful art form that highlight the most pressing challenges we face. One film, BEYOND THE BRIDGE: A Solution To Homelessness, takes it a step further. The film is at the center of an impact campaign to build support for the one solution we know answers the central question: How can this country solve homelessness in a comprehensive way?

The answer: Working in deep coordination with every lever in the community to create a single homelessness response plan that provides stable and safe housing first, followed by the services or resources people need to thrive. The solution is a coordinated response, based on the principles of Housing First, where everyone works from the same page, from people with lived experience, advocates and service providers to police, the courts, business leaders and government officials. 

Now, the film is taking its message across the country to make a big impact by helping leaders shift their perspectives AND actions nationwide. Join the Housing Narrative Lab for a conversation moderated by Executive Director Marisol Bello, who will talk with the film’s Director and Producer, Don Sawyer; Milwaukee County Housing Administrator, James Mathy, who was featured in the film; and the Lab’s Deputy Director, Sarah Armour-Jones, who raised philanthropic support for the film and impact campaign.

Learn how stories lead to impact when they help communities reimagine homelessness response systems and bring people together to work on proven solutions.