Ripped from todays headlines... my guest is Brandon Reid. Brandon, Intake Coordinator of Criminal Justice Ministry, has dedicated his life to helping ex-felons find housing when being released...ironically he was recently denied housing himself because of a blanket ban of not allowing felons to live in the Hampton Garden Apartments. This prompted a headline article over the weekend in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Brandon is a non-violent drug offender. He sits on boards and is the President of Pride STL. Brandon has a fascinating life story of growing up in Italy until he was 10 years old, and seeing abuse to his mom in the household. His first arrest was for drug possession when he was 18. Brandon was addicted to meth and heroin. He finally got himself on the right path, and his story is one of determination, survival, and success. He discovered an incredible mentor and a group of friends conquering their struggles. Brandon is using his unique experience to help others to affect real change. He is now bringing awareness with the most recent issue of legal discrimination for housing with ex-felons.