For too many, the American Dream will never be realized. Plagued by soaring costs and stagnant wages, middle-income Americans are more likely than ever to live in poverty and hopelessness. The Deutsche Welle documentary series explores this disturbing phenomenon in “Poverty in America,” a devastating account of the growing homelessness epidemic.
Despite a strong economy and falling unemployment, the scourge of homelessness continues to ravage cities across the country. Many of those affected face challenges common to all of us: failed relationships, precarious jobs, unexpected expenses, and medical problems. But the cost of these barriers is simply too great, and the cost of living is too high.
The filmmakers traveled from Southern California to rural America in search of those caught in the crossfire of the American Dream. The personalities portrayed in the film stand in stark contrast to the narrow view of homeless people as lazy or insane. They have regular jobs ranging from janitorial assistants to computer engineers. For a time, they enjoyed a comfortable and stable life. But it’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet.
Many of them sleep in their cars, relying on strangers and charitable organizations to provide them with the comfort of safe parking, fresh water and restrooms. We witnessed one such organization hold free medical camps; it was like a field hospital on a battlefield. Other volunteers are doing their part by building small, efficient shelters. Another well-known organization provides life and work skills to the homeless. In the streets, where hope for a better future often seems impossible, these groups provide an invaluable service.
Poverty is a harrowing picture in America — especially as we witness people living in cars going about their daily lives, or following law enforcement to evict tenants. But it’s also a moving portrait of those working to make a difference in the lives of those affected by the pandemic.
Directed by: Sébastien Gilles
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