No Place to Grow Old

Most of us see the changes in our urban cities as we move through our daily lives. But unless you are experiencing homelessness or trying to support someone through the complicated process of finding housing and services, you have no idea how excrutiatingly difficult it can be to find your way. No one does it alone. This film puts names, faces, stories and personalities to those who are struggling. It is a strong reminder that we are all humans first and touching the lives of one another is our most important gift. We can all find a way to make a difference, no matter how big or small. This housing crises will take actions of all sizes to see real change.

This film has brought me to tears multiple times. "No Place to Grow Old" flies in the face of those critical of our unhoused neighbors in Portland, distinctly humanizing and championing each one and their unique story. This short doc feels like a love letter to Portland with so much of the city beautifully on display throughout. Those who live here are rocked by having such attention called to the plight of those who are underserved in the same physical places they call home - the Portlanders watching will recognize the Starbucks around the corner from their house, the park they walk through on their days off of work, and the streets they shop through downtown.

Getting to know the stars of this film is a true joy - the filmmakers let you into their past, their present realities, and hopes or fears for the future in ways that make them feel like family. I'm cheering for each one of them, and I'm cheering for my city after watching this film - that we, and the rest of our state and nation would continue to fight for all people to have a safe place to lay their heads at night.

This is a doc for those who have hearts that have grown cold and calloused as a call to hope. For the advocate, an artful expression of the people they already spend so much time fighting for. For the indifferent and uninformed, a wakeup call.

This doc is for the city of Portland, yes! But I strongly recommend it for all who care, or want to care, for their city... that they might see the older adults in their community, especially those who are unhoused, through a more compassionate lens that leads to decisive action.

If you want to understand homelessness from the perspective of real people who have experienced it or are fighting to stay housed, this is it. Following the lives of 3 main characters, the filmmakers capture their words, realities and depth of feeling in a powerful blend of stories. Beautifully told and shot, this is informative yet filled with emotion, this doc delivers on its promise to humanize a growing crisis.

Don't miss the chance to be moved, educated and inspired to do something to make a difference. This is great to watch as a group and discuss the many topics brought to the surface.