Close to Home: A Documentary on Homeless Youth in Los Angeles
Patrisse Cullors, a prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement, has created a documentary titled "Close to Home" as a tribute to her younger self who experienced homelessness and inadequate care systems. The film sheds light on the stories of homeless youth in Los Angeles advocating for a care-first approach to housing. The documentary's release coincided with President Trump's actions against homeless encampments, highlighting the contrast between government responses and the real stories of those affected.
Directed by Whitney Skauge, "Close to Home" follows the journeys of four youth leaders from the LA Emissary, an organization striving to influence policies and funding for homeless LGBTQ+ youth. The film aims to humanize those living on the streets and challenge the perception of them as mere inconveniences or litter. Despite the challenges faced by homeless youth, the documentary showcases their resilience and determination to survive and thrive.
The greater Los Angeles area has one of the highest populations of unhoused youth in the country, a result of systemic failures in child welfare, public housing, healthcare, and education. Cullors views her work on the film as a continuation of her advocacy for justice and a way to document the pain and resilience of young people facing homelessness. "Close to Home" is part of Cullors' ongoing efforts in the arts following her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement and other projects.
The documentary is currently being screened at the Seattle Film Festival and is available for viewing in 135 countries until September 7 on the festival's online platform, EOFlix. Through "Close to Home," Cullors and the LA Emissary hope to raise awareness about the challenges faced by homeless youth and advocate for meaningful solutions to end youth homelessness.