‘Evicting the American Dream’ inspires February housing justice series

LOUISVILLE — A compelling documentary exploring the societal forces that led many families to lose their homes will be the subject of an upcoming discussion series being coordinated by several ministries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Pre-registered participants will gather each Monday in February to focus on topics from “Evicting the American Dream,” an educational resource from PC(USA)’s Counter Stories Productions, and learn from expert speakers.

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“This series is planned to discuss, debrief and resource each other on issues of homelessness, eviction and housing justice,” said the Rev. Rebecca Barnes, who manages the Presbyterian Hunger Program. “Each session will provide context for the ‘chapter’ of the film viewed each week. We will spotlight guest speakers, have small group breakout time with questions, and share actions we can take in our local communities.” 

“Evicting the American Dream” — directed by David Barnhart and produced in collaboration with sociology professor Dr. Katherine Rowell of Sinclair Community College, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and various community partners — premiered last March in front of an audience of 350 people in Columbus, Ohio.

Since then, the resource has been the subject of screenings around the country and recently became available for streaming.

“In providing us with a sobering look on the issues of housing and poverty in American society, this film is important because it is truth-telling,” said the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, manager of the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. “For all who engage in this series, this will be an opportunity to not only recognize poverty’s human face but also Jesus as well. We hope that this series will galvanize Presbyterians to be more intentional, creative and collaborative in responding to the issue of eviction and how it devastates lives.”

Wendy Gist, mission associate for hunger, poverty and peacemaking issues for the presbyteries of San Gabriel and San Fernando, was struck by the traumatizing impact of eviction and homelessness on children, who speak powerfully in the film.

“We need to take action to help end that trauma and make sure families can live in safe and secure housing,” Gist said.

This film study is being offered by Unified Agency ministries, such as PDA, SDOP, PHP and Global Ecumenical Partnerships; the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program; as well as PC(USA) mid council and congregational leaders on systemic poverty.

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Presbyterians involved in advocating for affordable housing or other solutions to homelessness may be particularly interested in joining the discussion series.

“Presbyterian congregations have always cared for the unhoused and increasingly they are doing it by transforming church-owned land and buildings into affordable housing,” said the Rev. Carl Horton, Mission Development Officer – Affordable Housing and Church-Based Social Impact Initiatives of the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program. “This documentary gets at the root causes of the housing shortage being faced by millions of Americans. The Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program is helping congregations and mid councils meet the affordable housing need in our country in creative, faithful and meaningful ways.”

The Rev. Ellen Sherby, manager of Global Ecumenical Liaisons- International, explained the benefit of being able to come together with people from various parts of the church to discuss intersectional issues related to eviction.

“Understanding the issues we are facing in our country and around the world empowers us to take action,” Sherby said. “This film study is not only an opportunity to learn more but to come together with people from across the PC(USA) community nationwide. Together we can be stronger!”

Grace Marable, an active volunteer with food ministry at Bethel Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, also believes it’s important to join the series. This is a chance to “discover what's really behind evictions, how deeply they affect people and which groups of people are being hurt.”

Register and learn more about the film study series here.