Events - Event View

The LWVLA will open its 2025-26 Lunch & Learn series with an opportunity for a virtual conversation with Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko—creators of "Beyond the Bridge: Solutions to Homelessness"—and La Crosse native James Mathy, Milwaukee County Housing Administrator.

This powerful documentary about effective strategies to eliminate homelessness includes the Housing First approach that has seen success in Milwaukee—Sawyer and Hashko will be joined by James Mathy, Milwaukee County Housing Administrator. The League’s lunch program is a precursor to an October 14 Weber Center screening of Beyond the Bridge in support of the La Crosse County/City Pathways Home program.

Speakers:
Don Sawyer, Producer/Director
Sawyer, the film's director, founded A Bigger Vision Films in 2014. Sawyer produced, directed and co-wrote the 2016 film "UNDER THE BRIDGE: The Criminalization of Homelessness" and won Best Hoosier Lens award at the Indy Film Fest, as well as official selection of the Chicago International Social Change Film Festival. Sawyer was also co-producer for the REELZ Channel series "HOW TO SURVIVE A MURDER." Don wrote, directed and produced the 2021 PBS Independent Lens short film “TROUBLE AT LAKE MONROE.” Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko received the 2022 Stewart B. McKinney award from the National Homelessness Law Center for their films on homelessness.

Tim Hashko, Cinematographer
Tim is the cinematographer and editor for A Bigger Vision Films. Tim shot both drone and ground footage used in "UNDER THE BRIDGE: The Criminalization of Homelessness." In addition, he was the cinematographer on the 2018 film "MY FRIEND MICKEY: Common Decency and The American Dream," as well as the director of photography on the REELZ Channel series "HOW TO SURVIVE A MURDER." Tim was the cinematographer and editor for the 2021 PBS Independent Lens short film “TROUBLE AT LAKE MONROE.” Tim Hashko and Don Sawyer received the 2022 Stewart B. McKenny Award from the National Homelessness Law Center for their films on homelessness.

James Mathy, Milwaukee County Housing Administrator
James Mathy is the Housing Administrator of the Milwaukee County Housing Division. James is responsible for the management of Milwaukee County's Community Development Block Grant funds, HOME funds, Milwaukee County's Housing Authority, Continuum of Care Homeless Programs, and Special Needs Housing programs. He is the author of Milwaukee County's Plan to End Chronic Homelessness leading to a 45 percent reduction in overall homelessness since 2015 and Milwaukee County remains on pace to be the largest county in the nation to end chronic homelessness by the end of 2018. James has 20 years experience working in the housing and community health field with a focus on the development of homeless programs and permanent supportive housing.  James possesses a Master's Degree from Marquette University in Public Service.

Additional Resources:
LWVUS  

Criteria for Housing Supply

See a list of League-approved considerations that can be applied to programs and policies to provide a decent home and a suitable living environment for every American family (2024-26 Impact on Issues, Meeting Basic Human Needs, p. 171)

LWVWI
"...action to combat poverty and discrimination and to provide equal opportunity for employment, housing, quality education, and access to public accommodations." (LWVWI Positions, Equality Equal Rights)

"subsidies that enable and expand affordable housing near community centers, workplaces and public transit for low- and middle-income and senior populations, as well as persons with disabilities and persons experiencing homelessness;

"programs in housing, education, recreation, job training, energy effis, ciency, child and elder care should be available to complement measures intended to enhance the economic base and to further the quality of life for all residents." (LWVWI Positions, Community Policy)

Pathways Home: A Plan to End Homelessness in La Crosse

BEYOND THE BRIDGE is a compelling documentary exploring practical solutions to homelessness and changing attitudes and correcting misconceptions about people who are unsheltered.

Documentarians Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko traveled over 40,000 miles across the US to uncover how communities can effectively end homelessness. The solutions they found implemented in two major US cities, including Milwaukee, surprised them with their simplicity.

The event will feature a screening of the film as well as a panel discussion followed by a call-to-action and planned next steps for our community. Don and Tim, along with La Crosse native and Housing Administrator of the Milwaukee County Housing Division James Mathy will share their experiences as they filmed this documentary and all that they have learned along the way including real, attainable solutions to ending homelessness. 

Don and Tim's mission is to shift the national conversation around homelessness by tackling both the root causes and immediate needs of homelessness through a housing first approach and comprehensive support services.