ISU students had a unique opportunity to see firsthand what it is like to be homeless.

A documentary, which follows homeless teenagers, was shown in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union, and was followed by a discussion.

“The Homestretch,” which follows three homeless teenagers, Roque, Kasey and Anthony, all from Chicago was shown Thursday night. Two of the teens, Anthony and Kasey, live in the Teen Living Program, while Roque lives in the home of one of his teachers.

The documentary was brought to Iowa State by Lisa Larson, assistant in University Student Ministry with the Collegiate United Methodist Church and the Wesley Foundation, and Emma Christianson, development coordinator at the Iowa Homeless Youth Centers.

“I heard a lot about it, and it was shown at Reggie’s. And I talked to some students and there was a lot of excitement about it,” Larson said.

Larson and Christianson know firsthand how many children and teenagers are homeless. They hope that seeing this documentary will make people want to go out and do something positive for others.

“It is real,” Christianson said. “They’re just like any other homeless kid we find in Des Moines.”

The documentary has been shown around the country, including Drake University. Larson worked with the Lectures Program and had to coordinate with the company that produced the film, Spargel Productions, in order to be able to show the film.

Larson said her hope for the film was “to show what some different people are going through, to raise awareness and to get people involved.”

While the lives of these teenagers have undoubtedly been difficult, they are among the lucky ones who have been given a second chance. The documentary follows the three as they attempt to overcome their past and strive for a better future. Despite their hardships, the teens stay positive.

Christianson said during the discussion that there are a variety of programs in central Iowa to help youth who need somewhere to go. They can get a shower, eat a meal and receive a variety of services. They also get help with continuing their education and finding a job.

Christianson said it’s difficult to work with homeless youth and it can be difficult to see their challenges. 

“It’s the youth … I get to share the stories of the youth to the community … being able to be their voice is what keeps me going,” he said.

The documentary was well received by students. Alexa Terrington, sophomore in criminal justice and sociology, said the film made her want to go out and help others. She was also impressed by how positive the youth stayed during the challenge of their everyday life.

“It made me very appreciative of the life I have and how much I’m taking for granted when the kids are working so hard for things that I have,” Terrington said.