Star Reveals Faith As The Answer To Homelessness
As homelessness in America continues to escalate, the film No Address aims to humanize the issue by focusing on the personal stories behind the statistics. Produced by Robert Craig Films, the movie features an ensemble cast, including Ashanti, Billy Baldwin, Ty Pennington, and others, who portray the harsh realities faced by individuals living on the streets. Inspired by real events, the story centers on Lauren, a young woman navigating life as a homeless person, while finding a sense of community and belonging with others in similar situations. Ashanti, who stars in the film, emphasized the importance of faith, support, and resilience when facing difficult circumstances.
The film presents the struggles of diverse characters who form a makeshift family, illustrating how coming together as a community is essential for survival. Ashanti pointed out that faith, open doors, and open hearts are vital tools the Church can use to help those experiencing homelessness. Director Julia Verdin also highlights the reality that anyone, regardless of their background, can become homeless, and the film reflects this truth by showing various paths that lead people to the streets, including mental health challenges and economic hardships.
Billy Baldwin, who portrays a businessman in crisis, shared how the film reignited his commitment to addressing homelessness. He noted that mental health issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and substance abuse, are central to the homelessness crisis, but often overlooked. Baldwin stressed the need for partnerships between corporate entities, nonprofits, and faith communities to tackle the issue effectively. He also pointed out that many people end up self-medicating due to a lack of access to proper mental health care, further worsening their situation.
Ty Pennington, known for his work in community building, reflected on how easily people can lose their homes and how difficult it is to recover once stability is lost. Xander Berkeley, another actor in the film, shared the stories he heard from veterans living on the streets, shedding light on the broken healthcare system that often fails to treat mental health issues adequately. Both actors praised the film’s creator, Robert Craig, for his dedication to real change, as half of the film’s profits will be donated to organizations working to end homelessness.
Beyond raising awareness, No Address is part of a larger movement that includes a documentary, soundtrack, novel, and study guide to help communities take action. Baldwin emphasized the importance of treating homeless individuals with dignity and reframing the issue as a health crisis rather than merely a housing problem. Through faith, compassion, and a united effort, the film aims to inspire real change and offers a roadmap for addressing homelessness in America. No Address premieres on February 28.