When “The Road Home” premiered earlier this year at the Michigan Theater, the documentary did more than tell stories about homelessness—it invited Washtenaw County residents to rethink what “home” means and how a community responds to housing insecurity.
Directed by Kameron Donald, CEO of Breyko, the 1-hour, 45-minute documentary explores homelessness, affordable housing, mental health and the network of organizations working to address those challenges across the county. Produced in partnership with the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, the film grew from conversations surrounding the construction of Dunbar Tower, an affordable housing development designed to provide permanent supportive housing.
Donald said the project began after attending the Dunbar Tower groundbreaking in 2024.
“I attended the groundbreaking in 2024 for Dunbar Tower. While speaking with frontline workers about the project, I quickly realized the importance of the moment and its impact on many levels,” he said.
He explained that while many people viewed the project primarily as the result of the county’s Affordable Housing Millage, he saw an opportunity to tell a deeper story.
“At the surface, the story you typically hear is about the Affordable Housing Millage being passed to create more affordable homes, but the story goes deeper,” Donald said. “In order to educate, inform, create awareness and engage in order to keep support like going, I thought it would be a great idea to create content about this project in an entertaining way that will create buzz throughout the county, and Jennifer at the Ann Arbor Housing Commission thought it was a great idea.”
That collaboration first produced “A Letter to The West Side,” a documentary exploring the history of the neighborhood surrounding Dunbar Tower. Donald said “The Road Home” naturally followed.
“We started with ‘A Letter to The West Side,’ which tells the history of the area where Dunbar Tower is located. Then we created ‘The Road Home’ which focuses on the issues that Dunbar Tower addresses through the services it provides via Avalon Housing.”
Listening first, telling stories with dignity
Rather than presenting homelessness through statistics alone, the documentary combines perspectives from people who have experienced homelessness with those of service providers, healthcare professionals, nonprofit organizations and local government leaders.
Donald said maintaining respect for those sharing their experiences was central to the filmmaking process.
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“Our goal was to unite the county to better address these issues,” he said. “With that goal in mind, we simply just listened with an open mind and heart, treating people with respect.”
The process also challenged Donald’s own understanding of homelessness.
“My thoughts about the subject before filming this documentary was mostly incomplete or inaccurate,” he said. “The systems created to address these issues are complicated on all levels. Each affected person’s situation is unique so there isn’t just a single process that’s perfect for everyone.”
He added, “Money alone can’t solve the problem. There are amazing people with the will and heart trying to make a change, but they need help.”
Beyond the visible signs of homelessness
One of the documentary’s central themes is that homelessness is not limited to the situations most visible to the public.
“‘The Road Home’ speaks to how homelessness looks in different situations and spaces,” Donald said.
The film examines the many factors involved in housing insecurity, including mental health challenges, access to supportive services, and the importance of community connections.
For Donald, the title “The Road Home” represents a larger goal than simply providing shelter.
“Home is a destination that we need to arrive at that better addresses support for those struggling with and managing mental health issues and where housing insecurity and homelessness are infrequent and brief,” he said.
“Home is a space where you find peace, rest and recovery. Home is investing in people, community, and creating opportunities that allow a pathway to education and generational wealth.”
A documentary designed to create conversation
Documentaries about social issues often face the challenge of balancing awareness with advocacy. Donald said the goal of “The Road Home” was to present the story of a community working toward solutions.
“We provided a platform and told the story of a county addressing these issues in a creative and entertaining way,” he said.
One of the hardest parts of the filmmaking process was not capturing difficult stories—it was deciding which stories could fit into the final version.
“The difficult part was cutting this documentary down to 1:45 because we had to remove amazing stories,” Donald said.
The film also revealed both the strengths and challenges of the local response to homelessness.
“Making this film revealed it all,” Donald said. “People are working together, in silos. There are gaps and people are trying to close them. Some people just need encouragement to do something different, but for the most part, everyone cares.”
Continuing the conversation
Since the film’s premiere, Donald said he has heard positive responses from viewers, including people who have been inspired to take action.
“I’ve mostly heard great reviews,” he said. “There are discussions and movement happening as a result. Some have told me that because of the film they’ve started doing what they can to help.”
Ultimately, Donald hopes the documentary encourages residents to see homelessness as a community issue requiring a community response.
“When people are driving home after watching “The Road Home,” I want them to have an urge to come together, spread the word, and do something to address these issues.”
Additional community screenings are currently being planned throughout Washtenaw County.
According to the Washtenaw Housing Alliance’s webpage, the next screening of “The Road Home” will be:
- Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 2-5pm at First Presbyterian Church of Saline (143 E Michigan Ave, Saline 48176)
*There will be a facilitated discussion following the film
*No RVSP needed
Watch the official trailer for “The Road Home” at bit.ly/watchTrailer2
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
