Homestretch: Homeless Teens & the Struggle to Stay in School

The Homestretch, a 2015 PBS Independent Lens documentary, follows three homeless teens as they fight to stay in school, graduate, and make the crucial transition to independence when the structure of school vanishes. The film follows these kids as they navigate a landscape of couch hopping, emergency shelters, transitional homes, street families, and Chicago public schools on the front lines of the homelessness crisis. While told through a personal perspective, their stories connect with larger issues of poverty, race, juvenile justice, immigration, foster care, and LGBTQ rights.

A discussion led by Iowa Homeless Youth Center staff will immediately follow the 90-minute film.