Castleton University to Host Film and Panel Discussion on Homelessness on Sept. 24

Castleton, VT (09/10/2019) — Castleton University will host the September Lt. Governor's Movie Series with a showing of the documentary "Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness" at 7 p.m. Sept. 24 in Jeffords Auditorium.

Following the film, the audience is invited to stay and discuss homelessness in our community and how we can address it. This panel discussion will feature those who work with the homeless in Rutland County, including Michael Reeves, Castleton University assistant professor and Social Work program director, and Angus Chaney, director of the Homeless Prevention Center of Rutland County.

"Under the Bridge: The Criminalization of Homelessness" is about a tent city under a bridge in Indianapolis and the criminalization of homelessness in the United States. The film follows Maurice, an older man who tries to help this community and keep the city from shutting it down. It explores the impact - both positive and negative - of groups attempting to address this issue.

"The Castleton University Social Work Program and our co-sponsors are happy to be bringing the Lt. Governor's monthly movie series to Rutland County and to Castleton University," Reeves said. "We hope this powerful portrayal of the realities of homelessness in a major city like Indianapolis will provide participants with knowledge and shed light on the issue of homelessness in America. We further hope that the discussion following the movie will generate some interesting discussion about local homelessness."

The film is 75 minutes long and will be followed by the 75 minute panel discussion. Doors open at 6:30 and the film begins at 7 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. NASW-VT is offering 2.4 CEUs for social workers who attend the event. There is a fee for CEUs.

About the Lt. Governor's Movie Series
Lt. Governor Zuckerman hosts the Lt. Governor's Movie Series on the fourth Thursday of each month with a goal of creating an opportunity for conversation around current issues in our state and country. A panel and audience discussion follows each movie. All are free and open to the public.