Fred Ward hosts Eric Brakken on Count Time Now to shift from discussing barriers to sharing solutions in the re-entry community, focusing on affordable, energy-efficient housing with dignity. Brakken, a 30-year organizer from Florida, describes work with the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition and Desmond Meade, including the 2018 voting rights expansion restoring rights to 1.4 million returning citizens, and Florida’s $15 minimum wage, while noting housing costs remain a major obstacle. Ward explains how organizing changed his life and why immediate needs like housing must be addressed alongside civic engagement. He details launching the “Miracle Mile” vision in Cleveland’s Glenville, completing a renovated home that filled instantly, then partnering with Brakken—who invested his own money—to build a proof of concept that expanded from one house to six plus two commercial buildings, aiming to attract capital to rebuild communities.

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
01:48 Eric Brakken Background
02:48 Florida Voting Rights Win
04:36 Housing Becomes Priority
05:45 Fred Organizing Journey
08:03 Miracle Mile Vision
10:14 First House Proof
12:31 Eric Joins the Build
15:52 Scaling Up the Model
16:53 Investing Capital Locally
19:59 Capitalism and Redlining
21:23 Philanthropy and Power
25:50 Closing Mission and Tease