Actor William “Billy” Baldwin believes the new film “No Address” from Robert Craig Films is more than just a movie – it’s a movement intended to drive positive social change. The actor, known for roles in films like “Backdraft” and “The Squid and the Whale,” recently discussed his involvement in the project, which centers on the issue of homelessness. 
“I read the script, I saw that it was on homelessness, I always wanted to work with (writer and director) Julia (Verdin), I love the cast that was involved, I love my part,” Baldwin said. “The ones that are the most important to me are the dramas or the social messaging films. Those films, if they’re few and far between. But that’s one of the main reasons I jumped in to do this.”
Baldwin was drawn to the film’s focus on a crisis that has only worsened in recent years. He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic and the Fentanyl epidemic have exacerbated homelessness, with the number of unhoused individuals skyrocketing in cities across the country.
“We have more of a mental health crisis than a homeless crisis, and we should probably start to reframe it that way,” Baldwin explained. “It’s been compounded by the COVID pandemic and the Fentanyl crisis. It’s become much worse. 54,000 to 76,000 in LA County, 4,000 to 17,000 in Sacramento.”
While the statistics are staggering, Baldwin pointed to several innovative programs making a difference, including initiatives in Fort Smith, Arkansas, Austin and San Antonio, Texas, and Pinellas, Florida. These efforts, he said, are achieving success rates as high as 70% in helping the homeless get back on their feet through comprehensive care.
“They need 360 around the clock universal care sustained for several months to get them back on their feet,” Baldwin said. “It sounds expensive, but what we’re doing right now is costing you far more than it would cost you in the long run.”
The actor believes faith communities have a crucial role to play in addressing homelessness. He encouraged churches to engage their congregants in serving the underprivileged and advocating for solutions.
“If you can’t get your hands dirty and go volunteer, go to an encampment, go to a shelter, then advocate in other ways,” Baldwin said. “Raise awareness, work with your church, write a check. Stop just talking about it. Start living it.”
Baldwin hopes “No Address” will inspire audiences to take action, whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness. He sees the film as an opportunity to reframe the conversation around homelessness and spark meaningful change.
“It may hit the empathy and compassion switch in you, but if you don’t have the bandwidth, because of childcare or because of healthcare or because of transportation or whatever, you can advocate from home on your computer,” Baldwin said.
As the homelessness crisis continues to grow, Baldwin believes films like “No Address” can play a vital role in driving solutions. By raising awareness and inspiring action, he hopes the movie will be more than just entertainment – it will be a catalyst for real, lasting change.
“No Address,” written and directed by Julia Verdin and starring Ashanti, William Baldwin, Xander Berkeley, Beverly D’Angelo, Lucas Jade Zumann, Isabella Ferreira, Patricia Velasquez, Kristanna Loken and Ty Pennington, opens in theaters on February 28. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
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