Trulight Ministry Aims to Shatter Stigma Around Homelessness

ZANESVILLE, OH – Homelessness is a growing issue that impacts millions across the United States. However, there’s a stigma that often distorts the reality of what homelessness truly is.

Many don’t realize just how close the average American is to becoming homeless. For some, it only takes one missed paycheck to set everything in motion, putting them at risk of losing their home.

“Anyone can become homeless,” Pastor Ed Swartz of Trulight Ministry said. “There’s this stigma that all homeless people are just criminals, or they’re drug addicts or they’re lazy and that’s not accurate. Anyone can become homeless at any time. 77% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and if they miss one paycheck it sets them back and they can easily be evicted and kicked out of their home. Homelessness affects everybody.”

Trulight Ministry is working to change the conversation around homelessness, and he hopes a new film will help shift public perception.

“This movie coming out focuses on the homeless issue in the United States. So, we’ve been promoting this movie to try to get people out to see it, not so much for the proceeds but just so that we can get rid of that stigma of what everyone thinks homelessness is.”

The film, which is based on true stories, follows the lives of five individuals and their struggles with homelessness.

“Homelessness doesn’t care who you are or what your background is, it doesn’t matter what your race is, your sex, anybody can become homeless,” Swartz said.

If you’re looking to make a difference, Trulight is always seeking volunteers to help. You can visit their ministry building or contact Pastor Swartz directly for more information.

For those interested in seeing the film, it will be playing at Cinemark on Maple in Zanesville for one week.