‘The only civilized act we do’: Escaping with a movie

The previews had just started on five big-screen televisions in the dining room of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Phoenix.

Dana Faulkinbury stretched out on a mat in front of a massive fan next to one of the televisions with a bag of popcorn, a soda and about 100 other people who are homeless. The movie “Unbroken” was about to begin.

Faulkinbury, 41, lives at nearby Central Arizona Shelter Services, but residents must leave from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. She comes here for lunch and stays for the movie.

“This is like the only civilized act we get to do,” she said. “We get to watch a movie on a big screen like you would in your own home.”

Usually the dining hall is open for meals. But in the summer, it stays open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends, so people who are homeless can stay cool.

It reopens about 6:30 p.m. for up to 275 people to sleep indoors.

Volunteer Susan French came up with the idea to show inspirational movies. “The Blind Side” was first.

“Our people loved it,” Executive Director Steve Zabilski said.

So on July 11, he sent out an email to 100 donors and volunteers, asking, “What is your favorite movie?”

He expected a few responses, but he was flooded with more than 140 recommendations, like “Field of Dreams,” “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” “Hidden Figures,” and offers to donate DVDs.

Regina Brown settled into a chair in front of another screen, her red suitcase on one side and cane on the other. “I love movies,” she said.

This is the only time she’s had the chance to see them in a long time. She gets caught up in what’s on the screen.

“You get to escape,” Regina said. “You don’t have to think about your problems, at least for a little while.”

“Everyone deserves that.”