If you are like me, you always assumed that you would be able to support yourself and that you would always have clothes on your back, food in your belly, a roof over your head, and be healthy enough to work.

An encounter with someone who lost her health and everything else as a consequence raised my awareness of human frailty and vulnerability. It brought me face-to-face with homelessness. That encounter changed me forever.

Today, “We Are Shelter House,” a documentary about homelessness and our community’s response, will premiere at the Englert Theatre at 7:30 p.m. I encourage Johnson County residents to attend this free event and be part of the discussion about homelessness in our community. See how it changes you.

Dottie Persson

Shelter House volunteer

Iowa City