Social Justice Film @ UUCM

The Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford and the Medford Film Collaborative will sponsor a free showing of the film When I Came Home at 7:00 pm Friday, November 21st, at the church, 147 High Street, Medford.

The film, a 2006 documentary directed by Dan Lohaus, is about homeless veterans in the United States. It looks at the challenges returning veterans face and the battle many must fight for their promised benefits. Focusing on the story of Herold Noel, an Iraq war veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who becomes homeless in New York City after returning from combat, the film won the “New York Loves Film—Best Documentary” Award at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival.

By focusing on Herold’s struggle with the VA and city agencies to find the help he needs, When I Came Home reveals a failing system and the “second war” many vets must fight after they come home. At his breaking point, Herold meets fellow vet Paul Rieckhoff, founder of the country’s largest veteran advocacy organization, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America. What follows is a media blitz that helps transform Herold from homeless vet into the leader of a new movement.

The film will be followed by speakers from veterans organizations and a discussion.

According to Paul Rieckhoff, “Hard-hitting and and raw, When I Came Home is one of the most powerful films to come out of the Iraq War. This film finally puts a human face on a story too long hidden from the mainstream news.”