Just about every weekday morning, I run by the gully in which a group of homeless youth live. It is a storm drain below ground in the shadow of a handful of Jamaica’s corporate buildings. People stream by here everyday, most ignoring these youth (who have been kicked out of their homes and communities, attacked and marginalized, for who they are), some throwing rocks or cursing them.

My heart breaks EVERY SINGLE DAY. Especially when I see them sleeping on a piece of cardboard, arms wrapped around each other, trying to protect one another and catch some sleep. There are several efforts underway to try to get them employment training and housing. (Visit these links here and here to learn more and to donate.)

About a month ago, I was running by and saw two men walking by the gully with a camera. I stopped to talk to them and found out that they were from the U.K., filming a documentary on these youth. I was immediately suspicious as there was an incident awhile ago where someone apparently promised the youth a trip to “foreign” if they would appear on camera. There is also the issue of safety and protecting their identity in a hostile environment. After talking to the men for a few more minutes, I was reassured that they would create a respectful product. And they have. Check out this documentary by reporter Ade Adepitan from 4od. This is media at its best, raising awareness in a respectful manner. Hopefully it can help to catalyze an international reaction.