With the encampment at 150 Main St becoming an increasingly hot button topic in the community, Peregrine Outreach Waterloo Region will be hosting a free screening of the film Someone Lives Here to try and change people’s perspective of those experiencing homelessness.
The film follows the work of Toronto carpenter Khaleel Seivwright who quit his job to build tiny homes for people experiencing homelessness during the winter months of the pandemic.
Peregrine Outreach is a collective group of outreach workers supporting the street-involved community.
The City of Cambridge has come under much scrutiny over the past several months as anger and frustration continues to build in Galt, particularly among those living in the community surrounding the encampment.
At a recent community safety town hall held by Mayor Jan Liggett and city council, residents shared stories of break-ins, stolen property and fears of going out into the neighbourhood.
Many of the questions and comments directed at council were about the removal of the community living behind the social services building but the city has continuously reiterated that their hands are tied in the situation as the land is owned by the region and housing is a regional responsibility.
A second town hall, featuring region representatives and members of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, is scheduled for September 18.
Until then, Peregrine Outreach is hoping to help change the narrative around homelessness in Cambridge by giving residents a look into the issues plaguing people who live unsheltered.
The screening is free and will take place on July 27 at the Old Post Office Idea Exchange located at 12 Water St S from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
There will be a Q&A session following the film with Seivwright, producer and director Zack Russell and executive director of Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, Shannon Down.
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