Question: I know you can buy a copy of the movie about the homeless, but are the filmmakers showing it anywhere with a panel discussion, I mean with people from the documentary talking more about their experiences? … I watched it on TV and found myself wishing there was a panel discussion or something where people could participate and ask questions afterward. I learned a lot and still have more questions.
Answer: Kokua Line checked with Anthony Aalto, the producer of “No Room in Paradise,” which has aired several times on local broadcast television stations and also is available on DVD and via online streaming.
Several schools, churches and other organizations have contacted him about group screenings of the documentary that explores the roots of and solutions to Hawaii’s multifaceted homelessness crisis, and some have hosted such events, he said. “We’re happy to participate.”
But yours was the first suggestion that people who appeared on screen — including mental health experts, social service providers, housing advocates and homeless people themselves — gather for community screenings and panel discussions, he said.
Aalto likes the idea, but acknowledged that it would be easier to convene the policy advocates and other professionals who were interviewed than to gather the homeless individuals whose personal stories are at the heart of the powerful documentary.
Over roughly 18 months of filming, he learned firsthand how difficult it is to maintain contact with people who are living on the streets or going in and out of shelters or treatment programs. Sometimes individuals switch locations because they have to, and sometimes because they want to. Whatever the reason, this dislocation “is one of the major obstacles” for the homeless individuals and for the people who are trying to help them, he said.
Aalto suggested that you contact him directly to explore your idea. You can send him a message through the contact form at green islandfilms.com/contact or call him at 234-9779.
You also can order a DVD or online stream of the documentary at the website, which generates donations for the Institute for Human Services. The nonprofit agency operates homeless shelters, provides a variety of social services and helps people find permanent housing.
Q: Signing up for Medicare is very confusing. I have the mailer and they say check the website, but is there anyplace here I can talk to someone?
A: Try the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), although be forewarned that it is experiencing a high volume of calls during Medicare Open Enrollment and may take more than five business days to return your call.
Trained, certified volunteer counselors offer one-on-one help in navigating the medical insurance landscape for older adults. There is no charge for this assistance.
Call 586-7299 on Oahu or toll-free at 1-888-875-9229 or 1-866-810-4379 (TTY). You also may find more information on the program’s website, hawaiiship.org.
“Our certified SHIP volunteer counselors offer information, assistance, counseling and referrals for Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and other related aging and disabilities health insurance options,” the website states.
Counselors commonly address what Medicare will cover and the amount it will pay; coverage available through supplemental insurance; and options for prescription drug coverage, according to Hawaii’s Executive Office of Aging.
SHIP relies heavily on volunteer counselors, so if there are other readers who believe they might be able to help, check the program website and click on the link at the bottom of the page for volunteer opportunities.
Mahalo
Mahalo to all the wonderful people who were so quick to offer assistance for my mother and myself at Sears in Windward Mall on Monday. From the clerk who was so helpful, to those who helped me get her a seat, to the woman who offered to let me use a wheelchair, to all of you: a big thank you. — D.L.
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.
