Dr. Horrible’s Got a Point…

By: Maggie Willis
Managing Director
PATH Partners Alliance

PATH Ventures was the beneficiary of the first ever public screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog, a project of writer/director/producer Joss Whedon, and coordinated by his fan club Whedonopolis. The internet “blog” features a star-studded cast of would-be heroes and villains (although, with all things Whedon, just who falls in which category is clearly unclear) battling for world domination and the affections of Penny, a socially active waif who volunteers for a local homeless shelter (hence the tie-in to PATH).

So the not-so-good Doctor has a blog. I have a blog. Coincidence? Well, granted there’s no singing here, and I’m not applying for membership in the Evil League of Evil, but I still feel some kinship to Dr. Horrible – he’s not so far off when he tells Penny that homelessness is “just a symptom – you’re treating a symptom but the disease rages on”. Homelessness will never be “solved” simply with sheltering people; it is an issue that requires the whole community to be involved – that needs big-picture solutions (social policy changes, economic development, education, job creation) coupled with local neighborhood initiatives (collaboration between services and housing providers, development of housing, outreach, community volunteers). So while the Dr. Horrible’s of the world are fighting the status quo (“because the status is not quo”), people like Penny (and PATH Partners) are working to help communities find local solutions.

So whether he meant to or not, Joss Whedon and his team are helping to awaken a community dialogue about homelessness – and for that, and for choosing PATH Ventures for your charitable event – we thank you, Mr. Whedon and the very kind staff at Whedonopolis. Homeless services has never been so cool.

“With hope, you can do your part to turn a life around”
- Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog

watch it at http://www.drhorrible.com/
join the fan club at http://www.whedonopolis.com/