Hope In The HeartlanD
Watch the Full-Length Documentary Film Here!
C3S Consulting is pleased to have been a partner in the development of this documentary film. Co-Produced by our Founder and CEO Angeline F. Johnson, Hope in the Heartland: Wichita's Quest to End Homelessness is a Heartland Regional Emmy® nominated feature documentary film that shines a light on the complex issue of homelessness in Wichita, Kansas.
Hope in the Heartland is a Regional Emmy® Award-winning feature-length documentary that shines a light on the complex issue of homelessness in Wichita, Kansas. The film follows the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, the tireless efforts of organizations providing support, and the impact of homelessness on the community. The film aims to foster understanding, empathy, and inspire action to address this critical issue.
Through the City’s “Project HOPE” (Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement) initiative and the Wichita Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), we meet 22-year-old Caitlin living in “Narnia,” the city’s largest tent encampment, in early 2024. As Caitlin attempts to leave homelessness through city and nonprofit resources, major changes in local policy and federal laws directly influence her journey. Meanwhile, the City encounters numerous hurdles in its attempt to develop a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) to serve as a one-stop-shop for homeless outreach resources as they receive feedback from the community and face budget challenges.
Video Short - Hope in the Heartland: Lived Experience with Kent Miracle
Kent Miracle shares his powerful journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery, stability, and leadership. After "drinking away everything" to alcoholism and living on the streets of Wichita, Kent found support to get housing, get sober, and become employed again. Today, he serves on the city's Homeless Task Force, the board of directors for Second Light (the city's Multi-Agency Center), and various committees working to end homelessness in our community. His story is a moving reminder that change is possible, that our city's unhoused population are our neighbors, and that lived experience is an essential part to driving meaningful progress.
Video Short - Hope in the Heartland: Lived Experience with Richard Patterson
Richard Patterson’s journey is one of honesty, accountability, and hope. After experiencing homelessness in the middle of winter while navigating addiction, mental health challenges, and the legal system, Richard was connected to mental health court — a turning point that provided the structure and support he needed to begin recovery. Today, Richard is a Certified Peer Support Specialist at Breakthrough Episcopal Social Services, using his lived experience to help others find stability through the Turning Point program. His story highlights the power of compassion, second chances, and peer support in helping people move forward. This short is part of Hope in the Heartland, an Emmy® Award-winning documentary series exploring homelessness in Wichita and the community-wide efforts working toward lasting solutions.
More About the Film...
Hope in the Heartland: Wichita's Quest to End Homelessness is an Heartland Regional Emmy® nominated feature documentary film that shines a light on the complex issue of homelessness in Wichita, Kansas. The film follows the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness, the tireless efforts of organizations providing support, and the impact of homelessness on the community. The film aims to foster understanding, empathy, and inspire action to address this critical issue.
Through the City’s “Project HOPE” (Homeless Outreach Proactive Engagement) initiative and the Wichita Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT), we meet 22-year-old Caitlin living in “Narnia,” the city’s largest tent encampment, in early 2024. As Caitlin attempts to leave homelessness through city and nonprofit resources, major changes in local policy and federal laws directly influence her journey. Meanwhile, the City encounters numerous hurdles in its attempt to develop a Multi-Agency Center (MAC) to serve as a one-stop-shop for homeless outreach resources as they receive feedback from the community and face budget challenges.
This film was a venture by Project HOPE and the City of Wichita and was produced by PANO Productions in 2024.
CREW
Ryan W. Gates: Executive Producer
Robert Thomas: Director & Director of Photography
Angeline F. Johnson: Producer
Sally Stang: Producer
Calvin Shadle: Associate Producer & Camera Operator
Emery Downs: Camera Operator
Luke Schroeder: Camera Operator
Josh Gerber: Drone Videography
Ashlynn Farney: Editor & Production Coordinator
Ciara Duarte: Production Coordinator
This film is funded, in part, through a grant from the Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Neither the U.S. Department of Justice nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse, this film (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided).
To learn more about Project HOPE and get involved, please visit https://www.wichita.gov/415/Project-HOPE.
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Heartland Regional Emmy® Winner!
C3S Consulting is pleased to have been a partner in the development of this documentary film! Co-Produced by our Founder and CEO Angeline F. Johnson, Hope in the Heartland: Wichita's Quest to End Homelessness is a Heartland Regional Emmy® award winning feature documentary film that shines a light on the complex issue of homelessness in Wichita, Kansas!