Youth Homelessness Highlighted In Twin Cities Film Fest

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The Twin Cities Film Fest is bringing social awareness to the community.

Its "Changemaker Series" is highlighting the issue of youth homelessness.

The festival partnered with YouthLink to help viewers walk a mile in the shoes of someone experiencing homelessness. It is an organization committed to helping kids on the streets.

The film highlights their fight to build a future of hope

"Untitlement" is the film festival's latest project aimed at bringing attention to the plight of homeless youth in our community.

"We want our audience to be inspired to take action and that's why we partner with YouthLink," TCFF Development Director Dani Palmer said. "We hope everyone who sees walks out and goes, 'I know how I can make a difference in my community.'"

Palmer says two film students put together the short film. The budding film makers are the same age of some of the young people featured.

"They were really excited to tell the story of kids that are living a completely different life than they are, and putting a human face on that," Palmer said.

YouthLink Director Dr. Heather Huseby says the number of youth needing somewhere to call home is on the rise.

"Half the hotel rooms in the city of Minneapolis can be filled with homeless youth," Huseby said.

Young people, like 20-year-old Andrew, use YouthLink resources to build hope and a new life.

"I heard about YouthLink and I took the first step in doing an intake. From there they helped me every step of the way," Andrew said. "They help me maintain a roof over my head. I'm in school full-time right now, I am having a full-time job even though it's seasonal."

Palmer says it took only one visit to YouthLink for her to know this is where TCFF can make a difference.

"I realize that a lot of kids in this situation don't have a support system, and you can tell from every staff member how genuine they are about being that support system for young people," Palmer said.

Click here for the full list of films in the "Changemaker Series," and click here to find out how to support YouthLink.