We are now underway with our book: “Homeless in the Land of Liberty”. This project offers a DVD, CD, gallery show, and now a book. I want to thank our producer Ryan Hardy for his direction that the book is taking and Karin Romani of Author House for her constant help and advice. I do not consider myself an author. I am a scriptwriter and writing a book is a whole new ball game. I am taking the advice of Ryan and just telling the story of the homeless as I have seen it over the last two years.

It’s not a pretty picture, but it needs to be told. I believe that when people see this film, hear the music, or read the book, it will change the way they feel about the homeless. I feel driven to tell this story in every way possible.

It’s a big added expense for a project that is under-funded but we have decided to move on with it hoping that the money will come together somehow. I believe that as America sees those without a home as the people they are and not just some statistic, it will change their views.

Just be prepared as you read the book, see the film, or listen to the music. It’s a tragic story and will leave you with a different point of view. Everything will be available September 15, 2010. Keep checking back at this blog for updates, or sign up and we will notify you when we post new content.

5.29.10
DJ McCoy

Visit the Land of Liberty Facebook page and become a fan. We need your help to spread the word about this film. We plan on posting some exclusive photos on the Facebook page, as well as some video clips in the very near future.

3.4.10
R. Hardy

Against all odds the film is still an ongoing effort. The lack of funds has certainly set us back, but the finish line is in sight. The cause certainly still has a long ways to go and will continue to be an issue for which we will remain active and passionate, long after this project is completed. There will be updates in the coming weeks as to when we will be going into post and what format/venue that you will be able to view our powerful film.

10.2.08 Today was a great break through for us. I found another homeless “camp”. My host was Ron. He has been a real asset to this production because he knows his way around the world of the least, the last, and the forgotten.

I also met Amy. What a story she has to tell. It’s hard to believe that people are suffering so badly right in our backyard, yes that’s right, here in the U.S. – not India, not Africa but here. Families are homeless and near homeless. Children are being taken away from their parents, some live in cars on the run – hiding from the authorities so they aren’t taken away.

It is very draining work. My good friend Mary Gunderson told me it could be very emotional. She shared with me that sometimes she goes home and cries. I feel so tired. In the beginning it just seemed hopeless. Now I have talked with the churches, seen the homeless being fed, watched a Family Resource Network director playing with a homeless child, stood by as a ministry gave bags of food to the homeless and hungry, listened as Mary and Karen went into the “Trinity Crises Team” and saved a family from being broken up. There is hope.

Come along on this journey as we explore the issues, learn the fates and walk a mile in their shoes. We will put faces to the statistics. We will help them one at a time. We will make a difference – starting with me.

When this project was started I thought I would help the homeless. I hope in some small way I have but the truth is they have helped me. This film has changed my life. I am proud to call them my friends.

-D.J. McCoy

To stay out of jail, the homeless must stay mobile. This creates difficulties in maintaining contact. It’s not an easy life to live, so I suppose we shouldn’t expect it to be an easy life to cover. Off of the street, we shot our first interview with a woman who had been homeless over the past 3 years. Her story served as a great reminder as to why we are shooting this film. Her story must be told, this film must be made, even if it tests our mobility.