In this episode, we explore a heartrending but essential topic – end-of-life care for Denver's unhoused population. These individuals, often living on the streets, face unique challenges in accessing hospice and palliative care. The spotlight shines on the remarkable work of Rocky Mountain Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dignified hospice services to the unhoused.Learn about the inspiring journey of Rocky Mountain Refuge, a specialized shelter offering 24/7 hospice care to unhoused individuals. This organization stands as a beacon of compassion and support in a challenging environment. Our hosts talk to Brother JP Hall, a Gregorian Friar committed to working with marginalized communities, and Pilar Ingle, a researcher delving into end-of-life and palliative care for the homeless. Discover their insights and heartfelt commitment to making a difference. The episode underscores the significant challenges faced by those without a permanent home in accessing the care they need, especially when it comes to end-of-life care. Learn how Rocky Mountain Refuge fills this crucial gap.Learn more about Rocky Mountain Refuge: https://rockymountainrefuge.org/ and learn more about this important topic in a blog authored by Pilar: https://elevateddenver.co/blog/.

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Elevated Denver hosted a live podcast recording, featuring Goodr Grocer, an innovative program that is providing free grocery stores at local schools by developing technology and logistics to track surplus food from pickup to donation, delivering real-time social and environmental impact. Senator James Coleman sat down with us and the Founder & CEO of Goodr Grocer, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, to talk with her about the importance of food security in addressing poverty and homelessness in our community.Check out Jasmine's Ted Talk & follow Goodr on socials: https://www.facebook.com/GoodrCo/ | https://www.instagram.com/goodrco/ | https://twitter.com/TheGoodrCo | https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodrcoFollow Senator Coleman: https://www.facebook.com/colemanforcolorado/ | https://www.instagram.com/colemanforcolorado/?hl=en | https://twitter.com/ColemanforCO

In this episode of the Elevated Denver Podcast, the focus is on the Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP), which aims to provide direct cash contributions to individuals experiencing homelessness. Lorinda Gill, a DBIP participant, shares her journey of wrongful eviction and moving around to resolve her situation. Dr. Katie Calhoun explains the research methods used in the DBIP's randomized controlled trial, assessing its impact on housing, financial well-being, health, and more. Participants Lorinda and Charlie share how DBIP funds have positively affected their lives, offering financial stability and hopefulness. The episode highlights the project's underlying values of dignity, respect, and belief in individuals' potential for positive change. While basic income alone cannot solve homelessness, the DBIP aligns with Elevated Denver's principles of equity and dignity, offering valuable support to low-income and homeless families. The episode concludes with a glimpse into the DBIP's ongoing research and future plans. https://denverbasicincomeproject.org/DBIP Qualitative Research Midterm Report

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of housing instability faced by hardworking individuals who are often overlooked in our community. Many individuals work diligently, both salaried and waged jobs, yet find themselves unable to make ends meet in an increasingly unaffordable housing market. We explore the concept of self-sufficiency and the income levels needed to maintain stable living conditions. Unfortunately, the reality is that income levels rarely match the actual need, causing severe disparities in housing affordability for countless individuals in our city. We also bring hope through our discussion of programs that are making a difference. One such program is the Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT), which aims to provide permanent affordable homeownership opportunities. We sit down with Stefka Fanchi, the Executive Director of ECLT, to learn more about this innovative approach to housing stability and how it helps families build generational stability. We also hear from Charlie Brennan from the Colorado Center for Law & Policy (CCLP) to talk about the Self-Sufficiency Standard. We hope it inspires compassion and empathy towards those struggling to find a place they can truly call home, and highlights the urgent need for solutions that bridge the gap between income levels and housing affordability, creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.If you like it, please leave us a rating and share the episode!

We also need funding to finish Season 2. Continue donating here: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Elevateddenver.

In this episode, we dive into a hidden population of people you would never imagine are unhoused: college students. We talk to Luis, Lena and Frankie, who share their experiences working towards degrees while living in their car, in a motel room with their mom, and in a cramped apartment with several others. Dr. Jamie Rife, from the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative shares data about homelessness in our community, and Abbie Kell, Student Housing Project Manager at Metro State University talks with us about student housing issues. Tune in, share the episode, and give us a rating if you like what you hear.

When you live outside, there is no place to put your trash. It can build up and be an eye sore, but what happens when we remove the people living outside, along with the trash? In 2012, Denver residents voted in the Urban Camping Ban and since that time, the City has been implementing sweeps or encampment "clean ups." In this episode, we explore sweeps--what happens during a sweep and how people feel about them, the public and the unhoused. You will also hear about organizations like Mutual Aid Monday and Headwaters Protectors that are working to support people in encampments with meals, support during sweeps, trash pickup and sanitation support.

The Elevated Denver team is bringing you an extra special, time-sensitive episode. In Denver, we are in a runoff Mayoral election, with ballots due on June 6th. We spoke with each candidate -- Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston -- specifically focusing on housing and homelessness in Denver. Our Peer Producer, Myra, who shared her story of homelessness in Season 1, Episode 2, interviewed Kelly & Mike separately and asked them the same set of questions. The questions were deeply informed by our unhoused neighbors and this conversation answers questions about each candidate's values and philosophies about this crisis in our community. For Denver voters, we hope this helps you make an informed decision aligned with your values and priorities. To learn more about our work with Elevated Denver, visit our website: https://elevateddenver.co/. Reach out to get involved: [email protected].