“Storied Streets,” 2015 – Documentary 

Storied Streets explores homelessness across America by telling the stories of those who live it every day. 

“Queen Mimi,” 2015 – Documentary 

Queen Mimi is a documentary that follows the life of Marie “Mimi” Haist, a woman who became homeless in her 50s and lived in a Santa Monica laundromat for 20 years. The film highlights the importance of human connection and communal support by exploring Mimi’s relationships with the laundromat’s owner, customers, and the people around her. 

“Under the Bridge: the Criminalization of Homelessness,” 2017 – Documentary 

By the production team A Bigger Vision, Under The Bridge: Criminalization of Homelessness is a documentary film about one summer in Indianapolis, a tent city under a bridge, and the criminalization of homelessness in the United States. 

“Owned,” 2019 – Documentary 

Owned unearths the complicated, painful, often disturbing history of housing policy in America, shifting perceptions about what the idea of home means. 

“Homeless to Harvard: The Liz Murray Story,” 2006 – Fictional Film Inspired By Real Events 

At 15, Liz Murray finds herself experiencing homelessness as her family struggles with the effects of her parent’s substance use. Instead of crumpling, the troubled teen clings to hope and determination, and works her way up out of homelessness all the way to Harvard University. This three time Emmy nominated film is based on an incredible true story. 

“Pursuit of Happiness,” 2006 – Fictional Film Inspired By Real Events 

This film is a good tour-de-force showcase for Will Smith, who convincingly portrays a down-and-out dad trying to better his family’s life. A chain of 

circumstances left Gardner jobless and homeless at age 30, and he found himself and his son living in a bathroom at a San Francisco train station. 

Despite the negative situation, Gardner continued to fight toward his goal of becoming a broker and would eventually become a self-made millionaire. 

“The Soloist,” 2009 – Fictional Film

In 2005, LA Times columnist Steve discovers Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless street musician who possesses extraordinary talent, even through his half broken instruments. Inspired by his story, Lopez writes an acclaimed series of articles about Ayers and attempts to do more to help both him and the rest of the underclass of LA have a better life. However, Lopez’s good intentions run headlong in the hard realities of the strength of Ayers’ personal demons and the larger social injustices facing the homeless. 

“The Public,” 2019 – Fictional Film 

The Public follows a group of homeless library patrons as they stage a sit-in during a harsh winter storm. While their actions are peaceful, increased attention from the media causes tensions to rise. This film highlights the challenges of finding shelter, the role of public spaces in supporting those experiencing homelessness, and the role the media plays in shaping public perceptions of homelessness. 

“The Maid,” 2021 – Limited Series Inspired By Real Events 

The Maid follows a young mother, Alex, as she works to build a better life for herself and her daughter after leaving a relationship marked by domestic violence. While Alex finds work as a house cleaner, she continues to face financial hardship, housing instability, and barriers to accessing housing resources