A Walk Through Poverty
Produced in Fall 2017
What: A Walk Through Poverty is a 30-minute documentary exploring the plight and complexity of poverty, specifically at home in the Inland Northwest. This pairing of art installation plus documentary screening is designed to evoke curiosity and safely immerse viewers in the conversation, gently challenging viewers to see themselves in the situations presented. This documentary was produced in partnership with SNAP, John J. Hemmingson Philanthropy and Rogue Heart Media.
Why: Poverty is a topic of critical importance as we work towards a more connected and empathetic community, understanding that poverty touches all of us in one form or other. None are immune to poverty and its impacts, even if it may appear that we are invincible or sheltered from it.
In the documentary, we explore the difference between generational poverty and situational poverty, the spectrum of experiencing poverty from living homeless to the working poor, and how even a seemingly small crisis can derail the hard work of someone striving for a better life. If there is a thread of commonality through the personal experiences we explore, whether someone is currently experiencing poverty or they have successfully stabilized their lives and are looking back upon it… it is the feeling that “no one can do it alone.” It all comes back to community.
The interviews that help weave us through the individual stories in the documentary are with Spokane human services leaders that serve those wrestling with poverty within our community: SNAP, Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery, Big Table, and West Central Community Center. Compassion and connection to others are recognized as part of the answer to these complex issues, though clear solutions are left undefined and for the audience to ponder and discuss. Tools are presented for improving our understanding, but there are no “quick fixes.”
Who: The documentary is intended for a general audience, including community members from youth to seniors, high school and university students, and those who engage with the community in a human services capacity. We all have struggles, yet we all seek hope and purpose for our lives. The audience may realize we share more similarities than differences with those walking in poverty, and each of us has the power to make a positive impact in the lives of those around us – our neighbors. It doesn’t cost us a thing.
“Viewing A Walk Through Poverty is one way to begin making sense of the complexity involved in poverty.”
Julie Honekamp, SNAP CEO
HOSTING RESOURCES:
If you are planning on hosting a viewing of “A Walk Through Poverty,” we recommend utilizing or adapting some of the hosting resources we have developed to help advance the conversations around poverty. You may find this resource below: