'The Break'

29 Feb 201237
'There are over 1.5 million homeless youth living on the streets, in shelters and couch surfing, in America. Despite the stereotypes, many of them are not addicts, hardened criminals or mentally ill. They come from families who didn’t understand them, some are runaways who could no longer tolerate the abuse in their own homes and some have aged out of the foster care system with no place to go....'

In an MTV documentary, 'The Break', the personal vision of Edge, viewers meet Ava, Nancy and Rob, all without a home to call their own and in desperate need of a change. Like many homeless young people they face a struggle for food and shelter, the dangers of crime and illegal drug use.

Every day, strangers turn a blind eye, telling themselves the problems are too big to fix. But homeless advocate Anne Mahlum knows different and the documentary reveals what's possible when people find the tools to build a new life.

'I wanted to find the right answer to the question, 'How do we respond to homelessness?' Edge told U2.com, in Dublin to talk about his vision for The Break. 'I wanted to get an intelligent audience to think differently about homeless people, to realise that so many of the cliches are untrue...'

More from Edge, and a clip of the show, in the video below. The Break airs in the US this Friday. Details.


Comments
37
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Shannon387
Fantastic
I think it's fantastic Edge was involved in this. Homelessness is such a powerful issue and one that needs a bright light to be shown on it. Nicely done Edge. I'm looking forward to seeing this.
cosmo1
Cosmo1
I'm so for this. My hats off to you "Edge", you are an inspiration for this issue. I myself ignore the homeless when I see them from time to time. Will watch and find my place in this concern. Thank you
shaffc
Nice
In my heart of hearts I hope that U2 does good things with the money they have earned performing. Stuff like this makes me feel like this is just the tip of the surface of what they do. I agree with his acknowledgement of them as the "other". I am an Iraq vet and a West Point grad that thought Iraq was a terrible mistake. U2 helped me through that difficult time. Thank you U2 for what you do.
Hardfelt
Good one, Edge
Bravo for The Edge being brave enough to confront his own prejudice and to actually do something about it. Yet again, this demonstartes why U2 remain relevant and that what ever their musical future, their legacy is not only assured but their music (now and in the future) is forever given more meaning by their actions outside of being rock stars. Excelsior!
albie
Edge is a great ambassador for Humanity
Edge, You are awesome for putting this issue in the discourse. Keep up your great work.
RyanLeeU2Fan
Interesting
I am definately looking forward to how they handle this. It is a topic that I think is widley overlooked in the USA.
the85man
Take it to them.
I have always maintained that home is where the heart is. No amount of possessions or materialist objects can make a person feel home. If we could build what they would like us to build, The simple solution is to find out what they want. Talk to the homeless. Its a time consuming operation, but It's over time that people become homeless. Hell, if it weren't for my parents, I wouldn't have a home and I am blessed. It's so easy to to think about how much better things can get, but sometimes you just have to realise that it can easily get worse. Communication is the first step, unfortunately not many under-privileged and homeless people will be completing this survey via the net. Its time to go 60's and talk. Be heard, Enquire. Lets not decide alone, get their opinions. Bono said the power of the cellular telephone is immense, I saw his point then and man, is it valid. PS, loved your work on the acoustic 'Stuck in a moment'.
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