Independent Lens Season 7 Episode 15 Almost Home

Almost Home is an emotional and thought-provoking episode from the seventh season of Independent Lens. This episode focuses on the struggles faced by several homeless individuals living on the streets of Los Angeles.

The episode begins by introducing us to several of these individuals, each with their own unique story and set of circumstances. We meet Eddie, a former Navy sailor who became addicted to drugs and lost everything he had. We also meet Linda, a middle-aged woman who was forced to live on the streets after being laid off from her job. And we meet Melody, a young mother who is homeless with her two children.

Throughout the episode, we follow these individuals as they navigate their daily lives on the streets. We see them struggle to find food, shelter, and basic necessities, while also dealing with the constant danger and uncertainty of life on the streets.

One of the themes that is explored in Almost Home is the issue of mental illness among the homeless population. We see several individuals who are clearly struggling with mental health issues, but who are unable to get the help they need due to a lack of resources and support. This highlights the larger systemic issues surrounding homelessness and mental health care in the United States.

Another theme that is explored is the issue of addiction and substance abuse among the homeless population. We see several individuals who are struggling with addiction, and who are forced to regularly cope with the effects of withdrawal and the difficulty of staying clean while living on the streets. This is a difficult and complex issue, and the episode does a good job of showing the impact that addiction can have on individuals and their ability to get off the streets.

Throughout the episode, we see the incredible resilience and resourcefulness of these individuals as they try to survive and find a way out of their situation. We see them form connections with one another, sharing resources and support in order to make it through each day. And we see them fight against the stigma and stereotypes that are often associated with being homeless.

The episode also touches on the work being done by organizations and outreach programs to help homeless individuals get off the streets and back on their feet. We see volunteers handing out food and supplies, as well as people working to provide temporary housing and support services to those in need. These organizations are doing important work, but the episode also highlights the many obstacles and challenges they face in trying to make a difference.

Overall, Almost Home is a powerful and poignant episode that sheds light on the realities of homelessness in America. It shows the incredible strength and resilience of individuals who are forced to navigate difficult and often dangerous circumstances, while also highlighting the complex issues and challenges surrounding homelessness as a societal problem. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in learning more about this important issue and the individuals who are affected by it.