The Hidden Face of Homelessness

Although homelessness is a difficult number to measure definitively, it's evident that more and more people - especially families - are sleeping in shelters, living in their cars, and taking up residence in tent communities. The problem may be more obvious in winter, when people without a permanent home seek out shelter for the night away from the cold. But the problem is not seasonal, it's year 'round.

Coventry-based Cozzi Video Productions is taking steps to do something about homelessness in Rhode Island with the documentary, The Hidden Face of Homelessness. WSBE Rhode Island PBS airs this documentary on Saturday, July 24 at 7 P.M., as part of our ongoing Saturday night series, Rhode Island Stories.

If asked, most people likely admit having preconceived notions about homeless people. But whatever those notions may be, they do not always reflect reality. In fact, 80%-90% of the homeless population are employed - they just do not have a place to go when their shift ends. And they are often too humiliated to let others - who could potentially help them - find out the truth.

In an April 22, 2010 article in the Brown Daily Herald, local sources say homelessness in our state is up to unprecedented levels. And a local economy that continues its downward spiral offers little hope of reversing the homeless trend.

Through interviews with experts and the homeless themselves, The Hidden Face of Homelessness offers insights, dispels myths, disproves stereotypes, and proposes real solutions to a growing problem affecting Rhode Island - and the whole country.

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WSBE Rhode Island PBS transmits over the air on digital 36.1; Cox/Verizon/Full Channel 08; DirecTV 36; Dish Network 7776; ComCast subscribers, please check local listings for the channel number in your area. Viewers with high definition (HD) capability can receive WSBE Rhode Island PBS HD programming over the air on digital 36.1, Cox 708, Verizon 508, ComCast 819.