Some movies entertain, some educate, and then there are films that stay on your heart long after the credits roll. No Address has had that effect on me. It’s a hard look at homelessness in America told through the deeply human stories of people who find themselves on the streets. The mosaic of characters represents just a few of the different reasons people might find themselves living on the streets, but they all share the same fears in their struggle for survival.
To be honest, this wasn’t an easy film to watch. It’s raw, emotional, and at times, uncomfortable. Perhaps that’s the point. We live in a world where homelessness is often reduced to a passing glance, a forgettable meme, a problem for someone else to fix.
The truth is, many people are just one crisis away from losing everything. The film does a beautiful job of weaving together their stories, showing not just the hardship, but the hope, resilience, and quiet dignity of those living without a fixed address (a nod to the title).
No Address tackles some of the assumptions we make about the homeless. While certainly there are people suffering from profound mental health issues or debilitating addictions, there are many reasons that intersect for persons to become homeless. My eyes were opened to the stark reality that homelessness is not a matter of character or inclination but often, circumstances.
While No Address isn’t explicitly religious, its themes of compassion, dignity, and the call to see Christ in our neighbors are undeniable.
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me. (Matthew 25:40)
No Address is a powerful film that will move you, maybe even change how you see the issue. Perhaps it is an invitation to look beyond the memes and stereotypes and engage in a way that is meaningful. That can be as complex as volunteering or advocacy or as simple and loving as acknowledging the human dignity of every person you encounter.
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In theaters February 28, 2025