Hope in the Heartland Documentary

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.