Laura Guzman, Executive Director of the National Harm Reduction Coalition, and Shawn Morrissey, Vice President of Advocacy and Community Engagement at Union Station Homeless Services, engage in a candid dialogue with host Anne Miskey to confront the prevailing myths about substance use and those experiencing homelessness. This episode explores the concept of Harm Reduction as a pathway toward destigmatizing drug use and prioritizing mental health. The conversation boldly challenges the misconception that Harm Reduction advocates for consequence-free drug access, emphasizing instead its pragmatic approach to reducing the negative consequences associated with drug use. Finally, the segment discusses the interconnectedness of Harm Reduction and Housing First principles, illustrating how these guiding principles converge to promote both public health and social justice.

Learn more:
National Harm Reduction Coalition
Principles of Harm Reduction

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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In this episode, we'll be addressing a pervasive misconception surrounding homelessness: the assumption that all unhoused individuals are suffering from mental illness, largely as a result of the closure of mental institutions in the 1970s and 1980s. Host Anne Miskey is joined by Dr. Deborah Padgett, Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work, and Keris Myrick, a leading mental health advocate and executive, as they discuss this widespread misunderstanding that has fueled a troubling trend toward advocating for mandatory treatment and institutionalization to end homelessness. We'll also delve into the profound impact of homelessness on mental well-being, highlighting how the trauma of living without shelter can lead to significant mental distress and anxiety. Additionally, we'll explore the pivotal role that access to stable housing can play in fostering healing and overcoming these challenges. Join us as we unravel these complex issues and shed light on genuine solutions.

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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Domestic violence is one of the main drivers into homelessness for 60,000 unhoused women in the state and 18,000 homeless women in Los Angeles County. Survivors can experience obstacles both in looking for housing and maintaining safe housing.  Elizabeth Eastlund, a fierce advocate for persons with lived experience and advisor of Enfuse Action Collective, and Maricela Rios-Faust, CEO of Human Options, a comprehensive domestic violence service provider in Orange County, discuss with host Anne Miskey the impact of domestic violence on women and their children as well as cross-county and statewide efforts that focus on women finding resources for safety when fleeing domestic violence.

Learn more:
Enfuse Action Collective
California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
Los Angeles, Domestic Violence Homeless Services Coalition

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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In this episode, host Anne Miskey delves into the causes of the rise in homelessness among the Latino community. Joined by Dr. Melissa Chinchilla, Health Services Researcher with the Department of Veterans Affairs, and Adrian De Leon, Associate Director, Recovery Housing with Union Station Homeless Services, the discussion revolves around the question of how can we respond to meet the unique needs of Latino people experiencing homelessness. What are the service and resource gaps as well as the policy roadblocks that this community faces? You will also hear William’s personal story of becoming homeless, after caring for his grandmother. William was able to get the help he needed and now he is using his life experience to be an outreach worker on the Metro to help others in the Latino community who are experiencing homelessness.

Learn more:
Latino Policy & Politics Institute
Dr. Chinchilla's Report, The Full Spectrum of Latinx Homelessness

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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In this special episode, Anne gives a behind the scenes look at how Union Station Homeless Services was able to culminate its 50th year anniversary with its first ever float in the 2024 Rose Parade! The "Bee the Solution" to ending homelessness float uses a lighthearted and playful approach to raise awareness about the most pressing crisis of our time. The float offers a unique opportunity to inspire communities and homeless services agencies across the nation to unite with the common goal of ensuring that all our neighbors can find a safe and healthy place to call home. Anne chats with key players in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity -- Jay Walters, Union Station board member and mastermind behind the opportunity, John Ramirez, the creative and talented float designer at Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), and David Eads, CEO at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses who sheds light on the significance of this impactful collaboration.

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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The number one reason for the increase in people experiencing homelessness is the shortage of affordable housing.  It is estimated that over half a million low-income renter households in LA County do not have access to an affordable home.  Sarah Saadian, SVP of Public Policy and Field, National Low Income Housing Coalition and Sarah Hunter, Director, RAND Center on Housing and Homelessness in Los Angeles join Anne Miskey to talk about the direct link between the high cost of housing and homelessness.  But there is hope and innovative solutions to address this crisis.

Learn more:
RAND Center on Housing and Homelessness
National Low Income Housing Coalition and their report:
Out of Reach: The High Cost of Housing

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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ICYMI in this bonus episode, Anne highlights some of the greatest moments from our First Season. From debunking myths and gaining community support to explaining street medicine and the Housing First philosophy, there have been many informative conversations and stories shared by our guests throughout the seven episodes. One episode at a time, we are 'changing the narrative' about homelessness.

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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People experiencing homelessness often face significant obstacles in accessing healthcare. In this episode, Anne engages in a conversation with Brett Feldman from Keck USC and Lori Gravish Hurtack from Penn State, discussing the field of street medicine and the creative approaches healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and physician assistants, are employing to deliver medical care to individuals without stable housing.

Learn More about Penn State College of Health and Human Development Programs.

Special thanks to Matthew Patrick Davis for editing this episode.

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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California is the epicenter for homelessness - with the state being home to 50% of the country’s unsheltered people, or those living in places such as streets, cars or parks - but is it really that different from other places in the U.S.? In this episode, Anne Miskey talks with two national experts, Jeff Olivet, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. They weigh in on how Los Angeles compares to other cities in the U.S., and what is working - or not working – to end homelessness.

Learn more:
U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
National Alliance to End Homelessness

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

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Far too often we hear people making wild statements about those experiencing homelessness. While many of us are aware that these comments are unfounded, we often lack the knowledge on how to respond effectively. In this episode, we will hear what people are saying, directly address these misperceptions and present the facts to set the record straight.

This podcast is produced by Brenda Lynch and Katie Cookerly-Dietrich, edited by Jesse Lumen, with production assistance and music by Colin Feldmeth. Special thanks to our Union Station Homeless Services Lived Expertise Advisory Panel (LEAP) for their insights.

Learn More | Donate | Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube