The Fight to #EndYouthHomelessness - Online and On Capitol Hill

To further the momentum our outreach campaign is gaining nationwide, The Homestretch teamed up with the National Clearinghouse on Family and Youth for a Twitter Chat on February 19, 2015. Using the hashtag #NCFYtalk, we engaged with current and future screening hosts, sharing tips on how to maximize the impact of Homestretch events. This discussion comes at a pivotal moment, with 100+ community screenings on the calendar and our national PBS broadcast on April 13 expected to have 1 million viewers.

Most notably, the chat featured input from The Night Ministry, one of the film's partners and an experienced host organization that has held numerous Homestretch events. They shared insight on how the film can be used to generate volunteers, influence legislation, and recruit donors. There are so many unique ways individuals are organizations are using the film, and we are eager to continue supporting their work.

Moving from the Twitter-sphere to Washington, DC, The Homestretch will be featured on Capitol Hill, February 24th at 2:00pm. Co-hosted by PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, this event will feature Congressional speakers, a screening of short excerpts from the film, and a diverse panel discussion. The goal is to move towards change by bringing together legislators and key thought-leaders in areas such as education, homeless youth, health and human resources, juvenile justice, foster care, and immigration.

The Homestretch's exposure reached a new high this month with a feature in The Atlantic. "The documentary demonstrates the complexity of the issue—a problem that's often hidden from the public eye," says author Terrance Ross. "Where The Homestretch most succeeds as a film lies squarely in its authentic, no-frills portrayal of what it means to be young and homeless in America."

There are so many incredible events this spring that The Homestretch will be featured at, including the SXSWEdu Conference and ITVS Community Cinema screenings in 75 US cities. For a full list, visit our events page. You can watch The Homestretch's broadcast premiere on Independent Lens, April 13 at 10/9c, or even host a home screening party for the broadcast (sign up here). Before then, you can purchase the DVD or stream the film.

For up-to-date information on The Homestretch and our impact campaign, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.