DOWNTOWNERS a locally produced documentary about youth homelessness in Olympia will be showing during Synergy on Saturday, March 4th from 12:45pm to 1:45pm in Seminar II B1105.

Jessica Eskelson and Nichole Ketcherside, students at Evergreen, directed and produced this 47 minute documentary to raise awareness about the issues that homeless youth face, which include sexual violence, stigmatization, a lack of available resources, misunderstandings with police officers, and a lack of support in creating solutions. Downtowners introduces street life from the perspectives of the young people who live it, inspiring a connection and an understanding seldom experienced by those who lack direct experience with the streets.

Downtowners premiered at the Capitol Theater this January as part of a community forum hosted by Partners in Prevention Education (PiPE), a local coalition working on sexual violence prevention among homeless youth. Over 500 people attended the event, which featured an open forum with local community leaders including the Olympia Police Department, City Council, Community Youth Services, and PiPE.

To learn more about Downtowners visit the website at www.olydowntowners.com