Piece by Piece (2005 film)

Piece by Piece is a 2005 American documentary film directed by Ky Dickens. The film explores the lives of six homeless individuals living on the streets of Chicago, Illinois. Over a period of five years, Dickens documented their struggles with addiction, mental illness, poverty, and the systemic challenges they face in attempting to rebuild their lives.

The film focuses on the personal stories of its subjects, offering an intimate and unflinching look at the realities of homelessness. It avoids sensationalism and instead aims to humanize the experience, highlighting the resilience, hope, and inherent dignity of the individuals portrayed. Piece by Piece examines the complex web of factors contributing to homelessness and the difficulties encountered in finding permanent housing and support.

The film received critical acclaim for its compassionate and insightful portrayal of homelessness, and was recognized for its contribution to raising awareness of the issue. It has been screened at numerous film festivals and used as an educational tool by organizations working to combat homelessness.