Whether its passing by in the streets, or even handing out some spare change, the homeless population of Lethbridge make a day-to-day impact on our lives. But how much do we really know about homelessness in Lethbridge?

Lethbridge Link creator and local businessman Dan Berdusco has taken matters into his own hands to tackle the controversial subject of homelessness in Lethbridge. Berdusco has produced a 70-minute long independently funded documentary titled Where is Home. The film made its local premiere on Jan. 14 at the Lethbridge Public Library Theatre Gallery.

Lisa Weekes is in charge of adult programming at the library and despite not seeing the film, she feels it is important for less talked about issues like homelessness around Lethbridge to be raised on any platform.

“I think that one of the key aspects of the film is that it goes into personal stories and really shows the personal effect, and the personal impact that homelessness has on individuals. I think it’s going to really put a face to homelessness,” said Weekes.

One of the main factors playing an important role in the finished product of Where is Home, is that Berdusco really wanted the viewer to decide how to feel about the issues raised. Berdusco stressed that as long as the viewing audience takes the time to listen to what is being said, then they are free too make up their own educated opinion on the topic

“I feel that if you just listen to everyone in the film, you can’t help but be compassionate because the truth of what’s going on cant really be denied.”

In Berdusco’s pursuit to shine a spotlight on the issue he ended up filming over 60 hours of footage including interviews with Lethbridge police, city officials and the homeless population. Berdusco’s main focus of Where is Home is to have the viewers learn more about homelessness, instead of people just feeling sympathetic.

“I tried to talk to people who would provide good information, and then take that information and put it into this film. That way people have good information to base some sort of opinion on or even to feel something for these people,” said Berdusco.

Lethbridge local Bart Greven has lived most of his life in Southern Alberta and stressed the fact that he thinks the most important aspect of the film is actually its ability to raise awareness, not the topic itself.

“I think it is important for people to raise awareness about topics not usually focused on. That way it inspires people to go out and do the same as he has done.”

Where is Home has been submitted to multiple film festivals including DOXA, a documentary film festival based out of Vancouver. Berdusco is hoping for the film to gain some national representation to raise awareness about not only homelessness in Lethbridge, but across Canada.