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Tug at the Heartstrings with Video

Nonprofit video for Homeless Solutions Inc.

Our documentary overview video told just one of many stories of homelessness in New Jersey. The resulting video compelled donors to give generously to the worthy nonprofit at their annual gala.

The Challenge

Homeless Solutions’ philosophy is “a hand up, not a hand out” and they strive to embody that philosophy each day. With a gala coming up, they wanted to communicate that principal and tug at the heartstrings of potential donors.

The Solution

A documentary-style overview video that told a story of loss and redemption with the help of Homeless Solutions.

We listened closely, studying the nonprofit and their mission. We learned what they were looking for and made a plan to realize their vision:

 

  • Interview one of the many Homeless Solutions success story clients. Single mom of three Andrea, speaking of her struggles to stay ahead of life’s curveballs, stood out as the most compelling.
  • Capture heartwarming visuals of Andrea and her children, as well as other Homeless Solutions clients, to build an emotional connection between the audience and the nonprofit.
  • Create a call-to-action for potential donors and invite them to make a difference.

Before a camera was even turned on, we made sure that we understood Homeless Solutions. Once we were on the same page, then we could move forward with the filming.

Results

The short documentary was premiered at the Homeless Solutions gala to much applause, and the evening’s event hit a record-breaking high for donations. The response was so overwhelming that the nonprofit decided to invest in telling a new story every year.

 

Awakened Films’ relationship with Homeless Solutions is ongoing, and we are coming up on the release of our short film for this year.

 

Wendi Zimmerman, Associate Development Director, had this to say about her experience with Awakened Films:

“I was impressed with the time they took to not only understand our goals for the project, but also to understand our organization and its mission. They always manage to create a meaningful and moving way to share our story. They stayed on budget and on schedule. If you’re looking for a creative, dynamic team that comes in on message, on time and on budget, these are your guys.”


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