Outside the Frame serves young people experiencing houselessness or housing insecurity, teaching them to produce narrative and documentary films on issues they care about.
The experience can be deeply profound for a group of people who are typically invisible to society — and who have learned to use that invisibility as a shield.
But first and foremost, Outside the Frame is a safe space. A safe space from the heat or cold. A space where they can socialize and have snacks. A space where they can be valued and treated with dignity.
Providing harm reduction supplies, like Narcan, is a natural part of fostering safety and comfort, Operations Manager Erin Yanke said.
“Self-medication is a survival tool,” Yanke said. “Judgement on drug use is not helpful. People do what they have to do to survive. So how can we reduce the harm as much as possible?”
Besides Narcan, tampons, lip balm and sunscreen — all from the Save Lives Oregon Harm Reduction Clearinghouse — are also popular supplies.
“Having the supplies tells them, ‘We value you. We can help you meet your needs and provide you comfort,’” Yanke said.
Outside the Frame supports 16-to-26-year-olds with filmmaking skills and provides opportunities for them to talk about their films at screening events across the community. Every year, the nonprofit hosts a gala, where the youth and their work capture the admiration and respect of hundreds of audience members. Some of the youth participate in workforce development and are placed in paid positions on professional film sets.
“On the streets, people avoid eye contact and avoid acknowledging people who are struggling,” Yanke said of the experience. “Here, we are seeing them as creative people, not only people with hardships.”
Being able to meet basic needs for survival has been crucial in fostering an environment of learning and creativity. When they’re at Outside the Frame, youth can experience abundance, rather than scarcity.
