New Documentary Sheds Light on Student Homelessness Crisis in Las Vegas
New Documentary Sheds Light on Student Homelessness Crisis in Las Vegas
The upcoming documentary film Learning to Survive: A Lesson in Student Homelessness brings to light a pressing issue affecting over 13,000 K-12 students within Las Vegas's Clark County School District every year. This film, set to premiere in April 2025, takes a deep look at student homelessness through the eyes of those directly affected—children and families grappling with instability and housing insecurity.
The Reality of Homelessness Among Students
One poignant firsthand account that the film showcases is from a student who recounts staying at bus stops and sleeping on buses, highlighting the extreme lengths children must go to just to maintain a semblance of normalcy during their educational years. "I would buy a bus pass and fall asleep in the back of the bus... My grades just kind of plummeted," they shared, revealing the emotional and academic toll of their circumstances.
The documentary aims not only to draw attention to this issue but also to challenge societal perceptions surrounding homelessness, which often focus on adults rather than youth. As director Kevin Naughton states, "When we think of homelessness, we typically think of adults, not children, so the crisis is far more invisible than it deserves to be". This veil of invisibility surrounding youth homelessness can prevent community action and necessary support for affected families.
Raising Awareness and Supporting Change
The collaboration between Not Wax Productions and Clark County School District's Title I HOPE program drives the film's mission. Meg Pike, a coordinator for Title I HOPE, emphasizes the necessity of bringing visibility to these struggles, advocating for a greater understanding and awareness, stating, “It may not be directly in your backyard, but it is in our school district.” Their initiative not only seeks to inform the public but also encourages the removal of barriers for students, thereby improving their educational experiences and outcomes.
This documentary follows in the footsteps of Naughton's previous work, Doubled Up, which depicted similar themes of student homelessness in Akron, Ohio. Mariesol Gomez, a staff member at Title I HOPE, found inspiration in this prior project and recognized the potential of a full-length documentary to create empathy and facilitate understanding within her community.
Compassionate Storytelling in Action
By forming Not Wax Productions, Naughton has dedicated himself to producing socially conscious films that shine a light on underlying social issues. Gregory Gardner, an additional producer from Aquarian Legacy Productions, shares Naughton's commitment to creating change through storytelling. The combined experiences of both production teams aim to amplify the narratives of those who are often overlooked.
As the documentary prepares for its premiere, interested viewers are encouraged to follow the updates via Not Wax Productions on social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. The screenings throughout Las Vegas will serve as an important opportunity for the community to engage with the topic, fostering discussion and hopefully paving the way toward positive change.
Conclusion
Learning to Survive: A Lesson in Student Homelessness will no doubt serve as a critical resource for initiating conversations about the challenges of homelessness faced by students in our society. With heightened awareness, it is expected that the community and its leaders will rally together to provide support and create effective solutions to combat student homelessness in Las Vegas and beyond.
Topics Policy & Public Interest）
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