In the shadows of Ontario’s mid-sized cities, a crisis unfolds. A new documentary, Bridging Divides: Voices and Visions about Homelessness, brings it into sharp focus.
The 45-minute film, released in early 2024, turns its lens to Brantford, Cambridge and Guelph, offering an unflinching look at homelessness in these urban centres. A collaboration among researchers from York University, Wilfrid Laurier University and the University of Guelph, the project weaves together perspectives from those living on the streets, service providers, business owners and law enforcement.
With populations hovering between 100,000 and 150,000, mid-sized cities find themselves at a critical juncture in addressing homelessness. Recent data from the Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing underscores the urgency, showing a 27 per cent increase in homelessness in these communities over the past five years.
Consequently, they now face many of the same challenges as larger urban centres, yet lack the resources and established infrastructure to combat them effectively.
The documentary explores the complex landscape of homelessness through a “brokered dialogue” approach, a qualitative research method often used in documentary films. The technique facilitates frank exchanges between diverse participants, capturing a broad range of perspectives on the topic. In Bridging Divides, this approach reveals the intricate web of factors contributing to homelessness in these communities, from economic shifts and housing shortages to gaps in mental health support and addiction services.
“We’re investigating public narratives and institutional responses related to people experiencing homelessness,” says Jessica Braimoh, an assistant professor at York University and co-producer of the film.
Supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, the documentary examines how the communities in question tackle affordable housing shortages and the impact of economic shifts. It also highlights innovative approaches, such as Guelph’s supportive housing initiatives and Coordinated Entry System for prioritizing housing needs.
As well, the film gives voice to those experiencing homelessness, allowing them to share their stories and perspectives. These powerful narratives challenge common misconceptions and highlight the complex realities of life on the streets in mid-sized cities, helping Bridging Divides strike a chord with audiences.
November screenings drew crowds of up to 170, forcing a venue change in one city. “The interest was overwhelming,” says Wilfrid Laurier University researcher Erin Dej, a key member of the documentary team and former postdoctoral fellow at York’s Canadian Observatory on Homelessness.
Post-screening discussions, featuring local experts and those with lived experience, have become a forum for community action. “It’s an opportunity to identify ways to move forward together,” adds Dej.
With Bridging Divides now on YouTube, its creators are expanding their reach. Plans are underway for private screenings and educational outreach in high schools. “We hope to use the documentary to generate critical dialogue about homelessness across multiple and diverse stakeholder groups,” Braimoh says.
For more information on this project and its origins, visit the website. See a trailer of the film below.