Promises To Keep

Narrated by Martin Sheen, this inspiring documentary tells the story of one man's fight to shelter the homeless. In 1984, Mitch Snyder opened up a shelter in an abandoned federal government building not far from the White House. Soon, in between 600-1,000 people were showing up nightly. When Snyder lobbied for government aid, his pleas went unnoticed, until he began a highly publicized fast in order to focus attention on the plight of the homeless. The government took its time--51 days into the fast, Reagan agreed to renovate the building. Yet after eight months, it became apparent that he had reneged on the promise. This became explicit when the government ordered the shelter closed. All in all, the battle would last four years, go to court, and become the subject of a made-for-TV movie with Martin Sheen as Snyder before the Reagan administration finally made good on its promise. This documentary, expertly paced, tells that story, and tells it well--from Snyder's words, to the observations of the residents and helpers in the shelter, to the stone-faced responses of government officials. Highly recommended for those libraries who can afford it. (See KEVIN'S STORY II for availability.)