Thursday, Feb. 6 at 6:30 p.m.—LUDLOW—Vermonters facing food and housing insecurity take center stage in “Just Getting By,” a new documentary by Bess O’Brien, screening at Ludlow Town Hall auditorium on Feb. 6. Director O’Brien will participate in a post-film Q&A.
The film provides an intimate and urgent look at the daily struggles of working families, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those relying on food shelves and temporary housing programs. It also highlights the resilience of Vermonters, including new Americans navigating the cost of living, Native communities implementing sustainable farming practices, and service providers supporting those in need.
Vermont has the fourth highest rate of homelessness in the U.S., trailing only New York, Hawaii, and Oregon, and a third of Vermonters struggle with food insecurity. Through personal stories and striking visuals, “Just Getting By” sheds light on these challenges while celebrating the strength of those who persevere.
O’Brien and cinematographer Patrick Kennedy filmed the documentary between 2022 and 2023. It has been touring the state, sparking important conversations about economic hardship in Vermont.
“This film captures the lives of Vermonters living paycheck to paycheck, striving to provide food and shelter for their families while demonstrating incredible resilience,” said O’Brien.
The screening is free, made possible by a grant from the Vermont Humanities Council.
For more information, visit: fmlnews.org.
