Jewel Launches New Documentary "Our Journey Home" to Bridge Gap Between Misperceptions and Real Stories of People Living in Public Housing

Jewel Launches New Documentary "Our Journey Home" to Bridge Gap Between Misperceptions and Real Stories of People Living in Public Housing

New film, in collaboration with public awareness initiative ReThink Housing and film company Stillmotion, highlights the importance of public housing; Premieres October 8 in New York City

NEW YORK, Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the public awareness initiative ReThink: Why Housing Matters and four-time Grammy Award nominated singer-songwriter Jewel will unveil a new documentary, "Our Journey Home," to narrow the gap between misperceptions and the real stories of people living in public housing. Produced by Emmy award-winning film company, Stillmotion, the documentary examines the role we all play in supporting those who struggle in having a stable place from where they can grow and dream.

"Our Journey Home" follows the stories of three families and examines how their relationship to home has shaped them as they strive to support their families, further their education and careers, and give back to their communities. "Our Journey Home" debuts today in New York City and will begin a tour across the country following the premiere.

Once homeless, Jewel knows firsthand the importance of having a home and the impact it can have on a better future. "The inspiring families and individuals chronicled in this documentary speak to the feelings of hope and the dreams that a home can help enable," says ReThink Ambassador and documentary narrator Jewel. "I hope this film causes people to stop and rethink the positive impact that public housing can have in helping families across the country."

"In watching 'Our Journey Home,' the audience is transported inside the walls of public housing so you feel those that live in public housing and how it affects their lives. Through these stories we hope to bring to light the misperceptions many of us carry about public housing," added Stillmotion Director and Executive Producer Patrick Moreau.

Public housing provides homes and services for approximately 2.1 million people in the U.S.(1); however, the need is much greater than that. At least half a million people across the U.S. are waiting for public housing to become available. During a time when poverty has increased by 23.6%, there has been only a 2.7% increase in the supply of assisted housing units, making the need for public housing support even greater.(2)

"Americans believe that U.S. citizens deserve a safe and stable place to live, but there is little support for public housing. Public housing provides a home for millions of families, veterans, disabled and elderly citizens, and gives them a chance to get back on their feet," says Joseph Shuldiner, Executive Director at the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers, New York. "'Our Journey Home' connects viewers to the realities of those living in public housing while dispelling many of the misperceptions of our residents and programs."

ReThink: Why Housing Matters is a national awareness initiative that encourages Americans to realize the benefits that public housing offers individuals, families, and the greater community. Visit www.ReThinkHousing.org to watch "Our Journey Home" and experience inspirational stories of public housing - and rethink its impact on individuals, families, and your own community.

Get involved and learn more on Facebook at Facebook.com/ReThinkHousing, Twitter at @ReThinkTweets, and YouTube at YouTube.com/ReThinkHousing.

About ReThink
ReThink: Why Housing Matters communicates the mission and purpose of public housing - to provide housing and services to millions of Americans who might otherwise be homeless. Since 2013, the national awareness initiative has highlighted the misperceptions that Americans have about public housing through stories of the individuals, families, and communities who benefit from all that public housing has to offer. Award-winning singer and songwriter, Jewel, has been the national ReThink Ambassador since the initiative's launch in 2013. ReThink was developed by Housing Authority Insurance, Inc. (HAI, Inc.) with the support of its trade partners in the public housing industry. HAI, Inc. is a part of HAI Group, a family of companies that serves the public and affordable housing community with special, niche insurance programs as well as other value-added products and services such as training and software solutions.

About Housing Authority Insurance, Inc.
Housing Authority Insurance, Inc. (HAI, Inc.) sponsors programs for its membership, including insurance and risk management programs, scholarship and internship programs, and charitable activities. HAI, Inc. advocates for and supports legislative and regulatory issues that help to improve the public and affordable housing industries. HAI, Inc. is a nonprofit association incorporated in 1987.

About Jewel
Spending the past several years alternating between penning her memoir, Never Broken, and recording a pair of children's albums, Jewel is set to return with her first proper album of new music since 2010's Sweet and Wild. Picking Up The Pieces, which serves as a "bookend" to the Alaskan-born singer's landmark, multi-platinum-selling debut, 1995's Pieces Of You, is some of Jewel's most striking work yet: front and center is the iconic singer-songwriter's world-renowned vocals, laser-sharp songcraft and intricate guitarwork. "It was time in my life to do this," Jewel, who Rolling Stone calls "one of the most richly idiomatic pop singers of her generation," explains of the 14-track LP, recorded in Nashville with seasoned musicians, and featuring road-tested fan favorites ("Carnivore," "Boy Needs A Bike") alongside groundbreaking new tracks ("Love Used To Be") and a stunning collaboration with country legend Dolly Parton ("My Father's Daughter"). Says Jewel: "I wanted the album to be purely an extension of my soul."

About Stillmotion
Stillmotion is a team of loud and curious souls--a team of psychologists, writers, engineers, and photographers who are, quite literally, obsessed with story. Their stories have won Emmys, been used by the world's largest brands, and have made a real difference in the world. They believe that, with story, we can guide hearts and move minds. http://www.stillmotion.ca/films/




(1) HUD Resident Characteristics Report (RCR).

(2) Public and Affordable Housing Research Corporation (2015). PAHRC Report 2015: Value of Home.

Contact:Katie Goudey, Cone Communications
kgoudey@conecomm.com
(617) 939-8435

https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20151007/275021



https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20151007/275112LOGO

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/275023-Our-Journey-Home-_Official-Trailer_.mp4
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275021
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275112LOGO
PDF - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/ENR/275022-OurJourneyHomePressKit.pdf

SOURCE Housing Authority Insurance, Inc.

Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275021
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275112LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275021
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Photo:https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20151007/275112LOGO
http://photoarchive.ap.org/
Video:http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/275023-Our-Journey-Home-_Official-Trailer_.mp4
Housing Authority Insurance, Inc.

CONTACT: Katie Goudey, Cone Communications, kgoudey@conecomm.com, (617) 939-8435

Web Site: http://www.ReThinkHousing.org


-------
Profile: intent