Ashanti’s new film “No Address” gave her a new perspective on the unhoused

Grammy-winning singer and actress Ashanti is stepping into a powerful new role with “No Address”, a film that explores the harsh realities of homelessness through the eyes of a 17-year-old girl struggling to survive. The project not only challenged Ashanti as an actress but also deepened her understanding of an issue that affects millions across the country.

“I was dumbfounded when I first read the script and how deeply we are all affected by this homelessness crisis,” Ashanti shared during our interview. “It’s something that we see every day, yet so many people don’t fully grasp the depth of it. This film really opened my eyes in a different way.”

Beyond her on-screen role, Ashanti took on additional responsibilities as an executive producer, she also played a key role in curating the film’s music, lending her voice to an original song featured in the soundtrack. Her hands-on approach to the project reflects her passion for storytelling that goes beyond entertainment, it’s about making a difference.

One of the highlights of working on “No Address” was the strong presence of women behind and in front of the camera. “It’s such a beautiful thing to have women supporting women on set,” she said. “The energy, the understanding, and the collaboration, it makes a huge difference in how a story like this is told.”

The film took on even greater meaning for Ashanti now that she’s a mother. The experience of raising a child has shifted her perspective on the housing crisis, making the film’s themes hit even closer to home. “I can’t imagine seeing my child go through this,” she admitted. “It kind of shifts your spirit a little bit when you become a parent because you never want to see your child struggle like that.”

But beyond personal revelations, Ashanti is using this platform to call for systemic change. “I hope the government watches this movie and takes some notes,” she said. “It doesn’t make sense why a multi-millionaire can live in luxury while, right down the block, someone can’t afford a sandwich. The math is not mathing.”

At the heart of the film, “No Address” is a story of resilience, empathy, and the power of human connection. Ashanti hopes audiences walk away with a renewed sense of compassion. “I want people to have more love and not judge,” she said. “You never know someone else’s situation or how they got there.”
With her deep involvement in the film and her commitment to raising awareness, Ashanti proves once again that her influence goes far beyond music and film, she’s using her voice to inspire real change.