<div><strong>Here's Some Info About My Mission: Founding a Non-Profit Called <em>Common Lens Films. </em></strong>For those of you who don't know me, my name's Kelly. I'm a recovering heroin addict committed to documenting the people struggling through the addiction and housing crises in Oregon. By centering the voices of those directly involved in the struggle to find solutions, I hope to shift public perceptions about addiction and homelessness, and give a platform to some of Portland's most vulnerable communities.
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<div><strong>The film I'm using to launch the campaign is called <em>Helpers</em></strong>, a rhythmic, 22 minute documentary that takes place in Portland, Oregon and weaves my honest account of recovering from heroin addiction and homelessness with the inspiring work of the <em>13 Salmon Shower Project</em>, a volunteer driven program serving the unhoused community downtown. Told through the lens of my personal journey and some of the people helping on the front lines. Featuring original music from <strong>Fugazi and Keith Richards Lewis.</strong>
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<div><strong>View the trailer here</strong>:<a href="https://youtu.be/0hIgIByM_Gs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://youtu.be/0hIgIByM_Gs" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://youtu.be/0hIgIByM_Gs</a></a>
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<div><strong>Helpers just won best social documentary and best student documentary at</strong> <strong> the 2025 Oregon Independent Film Festival! </strong> But this is only the beginning. We're hoping to submit to festivals across the country to reach wider audiences, raise awareness about solutions to addiction and homelessness, and gain credibility within the filmmaking community. Each entry costs approximately $100, and your donations will help us enter as many festivals as possible.
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<div><strong>The Next Mission: Common Lens Films</strong>
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<div>I'm launching <em>Common Lens Films</em>, a non-profit production company committed to producing documentaries about solutions to the addiction and homelessness crises our nation is still grappling with. Having lived through 30 years of addiction, and spending three years living on the streets of Seattle and Portland, I can provide insight that traditional documentarians often miss.
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<div><strong>Why This Work Matters</strong>
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<div>Mainstream media consistently misrepresents people experiencing homelessness and addiction, focusing on statistics instead of souls. What's missing are real stories from the streets that show struggle, resilience, and hope, told by someone with lived experience.
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<div><strong>Your Support Creates Change</strong>
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<div>When I shared my story to help launch the 13 Salmon Shower Project back in 2023, it helped secure the grant funding we needed to get started. If my story could create lasting change in one community, imagine the impact when shared with thousands more through film.
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<div>I graduated from the University of Oregon with my Master's in multimedia journalism in 2025, so I no longer have access to the equipment that made producing<em> Helpers</em> possible. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund the purchase of:
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<li>Professional equipment for cinematic quality storytelling
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<li>Computer and editing software to craft compelling narratives
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<li>Audio gear to ensure every voice is heard clearly
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<li>Festival submission fees for maximum reach during the 2025-26 season
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<li>Website and YouTube channel for regular content distribution
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<li>Travel expenses to reach communities whose stories need telling
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<div><strong>A Few of The Stories Waiting to Be Told</strong>
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<div><strong>The Treatment Gap Crisis</strong>: Why Oregon faces a critical shortfall of drug treatment beds.
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<div><strong>Portland's Innovation</strong><em>:</em> Programs like Portland Street Response and Street Medicine that are changing crisis response.
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<div><strong>Voices from the Margins</strong>: Following Street Roots vendors who find income and amplify their voices through community journalism.
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<div><strong>The Housing Puzzle</strong>: How land use laws and short-term rentals impact affordable housing.
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<div><strong>The Ripple Effect of Your Investment</strong>
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<div>Your support doesn't just buy equipment, it builds a platform that transforms how society views addiction and our most vulnerable neighbors. When people see authentic stories of struggle and triumph, they don't just feel sympathy, they take action.
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<div><strong>Recovery stories matter. Human dignity matters..</strong>
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<div>And with your help, these stories will reach the audiences who need to hear them most. Help me turn lived experience into lasting change through the power of film.
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<div><strong>Proof That Recovery is Possible. </strong>
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</div><img alt="" media_type="3" src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/91109187_1757192358857637_r.jpeg" width="100%" />
<div>This photo was taken of me in the hospital after nearly dying from a fentanyl overdose in 2015.
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<div>After being rescued by my family, and putting in a lot of hard work, I earned my BA from Portland State University in 2023. I even graduated summa cum laude (straight A's).
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<div>Then, in 2025, I earned my Master's from University of Oregon with straight A's again, proving that with the right support, anything is possible!
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<div><strong>Thank you for considering supporting my next mission!</strong>
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<div><strong><em>Common Lens Films is pursuing fiscal sponsorship to provide tax-deductible donation options while we await official nonprofit status.</em></strong>
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