‘A Home to Call My Own’ a locally produced and filmed documentary, premiered yesterday at the Moose Jaw Public Library Theatre.
The half-hour documentary shared the stories of those experiencing homelessness in Moose Jaw and other communities while dispelling myths that surround the topic.
Created through a partnership between The John Howard Society of Saskatchewan, Square One Community Inc., and the numerous agencies throughout the city that are helping tackle homelessness in Moose Jaw.
Square One Community Inc General Manager, Maxton Eckstein, spoke about how the documentary came to fruition.
“The idea came about this summer. We were hearing so many of these pervasive myths spreading around the community, and there was there seemed to be a discourse of dissatisfaction around our unhoused folks and from the work I've done in this industry in the last decade, I just knew how untrue some of these things were, and I knew how damaging these myths could be to the services that people desperately need.” explained Eckstein.
The production spanned three months over the course of the summer of 2024, and highlighted the experiences of clients, workers and volunteers that are on the frontlines helping those in need.
“Some of the people (in the documentary) I've worked with directly myself, including Trevor. So, I'm intimately familiar with his story and it just every time I hear it, it still wells up emotions in me and I'm just so proud of the work he's done and the work that so many others have done. But these stories, they never lose their effect,” said Eckstein.
“These are very real stories and they're happening to people that aren't on the screen too. Right. Right here in Moose shot tonight. We know from our PIT count; there's over 100 people going to be sleeping outside or in the shelter. So really for me, it's an indication we have more work to do.”
Trevor Nekrasoff was one of the people who benefited greatly from the work done by the John Howard Society and Square One Community Inc., and his story was one of the primary focuses of the documentary.
“It was a powerful experience just to be able to give back a little bit of what was given to me, just to kind of be a voice for people that are struggling with addiction and have no home.” Nekrasoff said following the premiere.
“When I was first asked (to be a part of the documentary), it was kind of an immediate yes. I am so grateful for where I've gotten to today and was able to get out of that life that I would do anything to help people that are still in that situation.”
Nekrasoff was grateful to be able share his story, hoping that his contributions can help clear up misconceptions regarding issues of homelessness, addictions and mental health, saying his message to the community.
“That everyone on the street has a story. No one's choosing to be there, and most people just want a chance to get their lives back on track.” he said.
“My entire life, I would have never thought that I would ever end up on the street with nowhere to live, nothing to eat until I was there. It's such a shock to your whole being when you end up on the street or just literally trying to survive a minute at a time.”
He explained that oftentimes, the best thing that can be done for those struggling is simply showing care.
“For me, that was the biggest help was just the people that I knew cared, and I knew they wanted what was best for me and they were there to listen and support in any way they could.”
Franklin Cristensen, was highlighted in the documentary for his lived experience battling issues of homelessness and addictions. He now works with the John Howard Society to assist people in the community with the very same circumstances he has overcome.
He shared his thoughts upon seeing his story brought to life on the screen.
“I really enjoyed it. They did a really good job on the production of it. I feel really proud to be a part of this community. I felt very fortunate because not many, many people reach out like that,” said Cristensen.
“I feel very fortunate to be a Moose Javian now, to be included and to know that my community really cares about its people.”
He notes that, speaking from experience, giving people a voice and bringing their stories to light can often be a crucial step to recovery and stability.
“It's nice to be heard and it's nice to be seen. No matter what I'm going through, they're always going to be there. I think the best part is to be noticed and to know that I'm cared for and I am important, that people notice these kinds of things.”
Cristensen is looking forward to continuing his work in the community, which he notes is all the more important as the city deals with the closure of the Riverside Mission.
“It was a big blow for all of us. I was a volunteer there on Tuesdays and Thursdays and we all had to step up as a community in the months after its closure. There was a little time there where we were all kind of just in limbo. Then all of a sudden, everybody kind of just clicked together all these organizations kept on going.” he said.
“All the organizations in town have really come together and are moving forward and I think it's going to be even bigger than what (the Riverside Mission) was. There's going to be more resources. There's going to be more support. There's going to be more help for the Unhoused, and I think that Moose Jaw is really getting behind it.”
Cristensen explained that while significant progress has been made, his work helping the community is just getting started.
“My journey is far from over, I'm just going to keep working, keep on being part of the solution, keep moving everything forward.
I work at the shelter, so that's my main job with the shelter, John Howard Community Connections. I still am part of the community out there. My work is a 24/7 thing. You know, I just keep on living. I just keep on doing what was done for me for other people.”
To learn more about Square One Community Inc, the work they do in Moose Jaw, or to simply view ‘A Home to Call My Own’ click here to visit their website.