A screening of the documentary “Homeless in Modesto II” at the State Theatre on Thursday night brought together community members, city officials, and advocates to discuss homelessness in Modesto. The film, produced by Fog Light Media and directed by retired Modesto Junior College professor Richard Anderson, follows up on a 2018 project and is now available for viewing online at www.foglightmediaca.com/homeless-in-modesto.
The documentary features interviews with unhoused residents, local leaders, and elected officials. It also documents camp clearings and relocations while highlighting housing initiatives such as the Downtown Streets Team and Dignity Village. The film includes stories of unhoused individuals who died after years of moving between shelters.
Since 2018, Stanislaus County has seen an almost 54% increase in its unhoused population, with a significant rise during the pandemic in 2021.
“We have to remember that there are thousands in our community with no place to go, and they’re just one bill away from ending up on the streets, and we have to think about that, especially on a rainy night like this,” said Ben Hoover, director of Fog Light Media.
After the screening, MJC English professor Sam Pierstorff led a panel discussion featuring City Councilmember Nick Bavaro; Dr. James Kraus from Valley Streetz Harm Reduction Program; Family Promise director Miriah Brazil; and poet Ruby Hawke.
Hawke shared her experiences with homelessness both in the film and during the panel. She now works in mental health care while pursuing her master’s degree. Hawke emphasized the need for more housing options tailored for people facing severe mental health challenges as well as onsite support services. She noted that taking medication can be difficult outside hospital settings.
Bavaro discussed using Modesto’s Community Health and Assistance Team program and suggested reviving state hospitals in California. He acknowledged that some people may not want or be ready for housing but stressed they still require safe places to stay.
Brazil described how her nonprofit helped a mother living out of her car who later joined their staff to help other families. She highlighted trust-building as key for reaching those hesitant to seek help. “I think it goes a really long way to support even the ones that are struggling and not wanting treatment. I think you can get past that eventually. It might take a long time, but it just takes those really committed community members,” Brazil said.
Kraus addressed perceptions about his harm-reduction work: “What’s controversial about helping people where they’re at?” He advocated meeting people directly where they live while providing resources so they can make informed choices. Kraus added that research shows syringe service programs increase recovery chances rather than enabling drug use.
Audience questions touched on issues including open drug use near schools, privacy laws related to health information (HIPAA), and adult conservatorships.
Hannah Brady, executive director of Senior Advocacy Network, commented on conservatorships: “These are really readily accessible, and if you have questions about them, and you can afford an attorney, reach out to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, reach out to legal aid,” Brady said.
Councilmember Jeremiah Williams spoke from the audience about how efforts against illegal smoke shops could affect youth homelessness: “We’re talking about the victims, but let’s talk about the perpetrator,” Williams said.
Proceeds from ticket sales went toward supporting Family Promise of Greater Modesto’s shelter program.
