The Homestretch

There are over 19,000 students identified as homeless in the Chicago public school system. It’s an appalling number that reveals a heart-breaking reality about the severity of homelessness – a problem that affects the entire country. How can these kids be motivated to learn when they live with the stress of not knowing where they’ll sleep next; when they’re hungry because they can’t find food? THE HOMESTRETCH explores these unfortunate situations, which also put educators in a tough spot. How do they reach these students? The film spotlights several programs and selfless teachers who have dedicated their lives to ensuring homeless students are taken care of, and they excel in their studies. It follows several youths as they try to overcome their circumstances, with the eventual goal of attending college. This eye-opening documentary will tug at your heart strings for sure, but the passion of the teachers, and the amazing resiliency of the kids, reveals a ray of hope that shines brightly through the darkness. – E.F.