In this audio “collage” we’re introduced to some of the challenges currently facing our community in terms of housing and the resources available to those in crisis. We’re joined by Valerie Joeckel, Deb Holman, Ashley Grimm, Sarah Kjorlien, and Andrea Crouse.

Artist Moira Villiard talks about the project “Waiting For Beds”—a multimedia collaborative art project between Moira and Carla Hamilton that delves into the tumultuous and vicious cycles of mental health crises, healthcare, and social service systems that are at odds in American society. In this episode, we also hear excerpts from a panel discussion recorded at The Prøve Gallery in 2023.

Annika Frazier and Jon Otis discuss their work with the Love Your Block program and how that led to a collaboration with the Duluth Center for Women & Children (formerly the First Ladies of the Hillside) to address the problem of sharps/needles in our community.

Healthy Hillside team members Cyndy Klinksiek and Marah Evans talk transportation, loneliness, mobility, technology, and much more.

“What now?” In the third, and final, episode of this mini-series we continue to listen, and to explore what has made this such a complex issue for our community.

“Us v. Them?” In the second episode of this mini-series we ask the question: Why is there such a divide on THIS issue? And the answer is… well, it’s complicated. Really complicated.

“What’s the deal with the COVID vaccine?” For some it’s an easy answer: “It’s science! Peer-reviewed science!!” For others it’s not quite that simple… In this mini-series we speak with real-life members of our community as we explore what the vaccine actually is, why it’s created such a divide, and how we can come together. Spoiler alert: It’s not impossible.

David & Diane talk George Floyd, vaccines, political divisions, and share their experiences during quarantine; the trials, triumphs and a whole lot of walking. Bob the raccoon finds himself in an alley full of delicious garbage and recalls a bread-loving acquaintance.

“To be honest, this morning didn’t start off good at all…” Maurice talks race, COVID, politics, cops, and conspiracy theories. Bob the raccoon finds the trash he’d been searching for, but it’s complicated by a rat who had found it first.

Adam goes through treatment during the pandemic. Pam and her husband move across the country to reset their lives. Bob the raccoon is reminded of his brother when he stumbles upon a strange looking stick.