Pastor Produces Video on the Homeless

When Luciano Cozzi (West Warwick, RI) became a part-time pastor, he had to find a second job. So that he could be available for members and their needs, he decided to start his own business: Cozzi Video Productions. Last year was a very slow year, but we decided instead of sitting still, we might be able to do something to help not only our community but also those around the country.

A conversation had taken place with someone who wanted to open a shelter. This person tried to get permission from the town but was turned down because they didn’t want “those kind of people” in our town. Of course all towns already have “those kind of people.”

With the contacts Luciano has from Leadership Rhode Island, we were able to interview heads of many of the departments and shelters in RI. We also spoke to the many who are or were homeless. Their pain and frustration was obvious and long-lasting. After a year of work, and with several of our church members as “extras,” The Hidden Face of Homelessness was finished.

It is being very well received around the state and is sold on Amazon.com. It has been used in many other states, such as CA, WA, IN, PA, MA, NY and will be included in the Insight Media Fall Catalog for schools around the country. It was aired on Rhode Island PBS on April 17-18, and they have a four-year contract to continue showing it.

You can find information and a trailer at http://homeless.cozzivideo.com.

Many of our congregations are helping the homeless. They might find that the video helps them understand the complex issues they face everyday and helps remove myths and prejudices.

Luciano was recently in Haiti and met with Pastor Joseph Franklin while there. You can see a slide show of his trip on www.cozzivideo.com/productions and then click on “Don’t Forget: Haiti’s Cry for a New Beginning—Documentary.”

Suzanne Cozzi