Local community leaders are hoping that the national screening of 'No Vacancy' would help raise awareness of the reality of homelessness, especially in Florida. 

They hope that the community will view homeless people as those who need to be helped rather than the other way around.  

Like-Minded Goal 

In a report with The Tennessean, around 100 pastors gathered at McKendree United Methodist Church. Nonprofit leaders and officials also joined the event. 

The event took place on Tuesday, June 29. A group of organizers who called themselves "The Vacancy" planned the special screening, which hoped to end the stigma of homelessness. 

No Vacancy 

"No Vacancy" stars Dean Cain, Sean Young, and T.C. Stallings. The film follows the story of a cynical reporter from Orlando who was forced to work in a small town. 

While there, the reporter finds a church on a mission to buy a motel for the homeless. According to the report, the movie is based on a true story.

Breaking Down Barriers 

McKendree Pastor Stephen Handy hoped the screening would help break down the barriers between the homeless and those in the community. He said that everyone was part of the neighborhood and that they should help each other. 

He described his work as a pastor as "connecting the dots." The faith leader ensures that these stories they tell have connections. 

Handy called the homeless community his neighbors. He noted that his mission work brings healing to those who are in need. 

The pastor added that in helping those who were homeless, he was also helping himself. Many of those who attended the special screening said they were impressed by the film. 

Addressing Social Issues 

Ryan LaSuer is the director of the Community Care Fellowship. He told the news outlet that he was amazed by the number of social issues the movie addressed. 

Director Kyle Saylors added that the plot was a powerful story. He admitted that sometimes people tended to gloss over the truth because it was a hard pill to swallow.

After the screening, those in attendance vowed to do what they could to help the homeless in the community. They agreed to work together to achieve this feat. 

Nashville Vice Mayor Jim Shulman vowed that they are going to address the issue of homelessness. 

Shared Fellowship

Barbara Bamberger, one of the organizers of the event, said the special screening was done at God's perfect time. She has worked with Pastor Handy after she realized that they shared a mission in addressing homelessness. 

She commended the pastor for his work in the community and said that she found fellowship in him. 

Like the pastor, she hopes the movie would help raise awareness of the reality of homelessness in the community. 

Homelessness Statistics 

According to the Metro Development and Housing Agency, around 2,000 people were homeless in Nashville in 2022. 

The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness reported that more than 7,000 residents of Tennessee are homeless as of 2020.

The leaders who attended the event are confident that it takes teamwork and commitment to end homelessness. 

Kevin Finch is the president of Big Table. He told the news outlet that he knows the city can help the homeless. 

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