The individual experiences of homeless people are rarely taken into account when plans are being formulated to tackle the issue, according to the group responsible for a documentary film aiming to air the views of the homeless.
The 40-minute In the Shadow of Others was filmed on the streets of Dublin over three nights last November by volunteers from the Dublin Homeless Focus Group, part of the Dublin Community Homeless Forum.
It features interviews with homeless people discussing issues of concern to themand is due to be screened at 10.30 a.m. tomorrow to an invited audience of policy-makers and social services providers at the Irish Film Centre, Dublin.
According to Mr Brendan Dowling, project co-ordinator with the group, "The homeless experience is a piece of the jigsaw which is just not being taken seriously. What we're doing is focusing on it."
In the film, a cross-section of homeless people talk about the reality of life on the street. In particular, they criticise the poor standard of accommodation on offer, outlining the difficulties they face in getting a job and a place of their own.
Some also talk of their problems with addiction, as well as the loneliness and sense of isolation they feel when ignored by passers-by.
"We have invited all the people that a homeless person is in touch with on a day-to-day basis to the screening. The hope is that they will include the homeless experience in the formulation of future policy," said Mr Dowling. A number of TDs, representatives of the Garda Síochána, and members of the Prison Service have also been invited to the screening.
"It is good to hear homeless people speaking, and their understanding of the issue. What is very important to realise is that they know what the solution is," said Mr Frank Mills, director of social inclusion with the South Western Area Health Board, and one of the participants in the discussion panel which will follow the screening of the film.
"People presume homeless people can't articulate their thoughts," said Mr Dowling. "But over 150 homeless people turned up for our first Homeless Forum last November, based around the film. This acknowledges they want to have a voice."