Welcome to this special episode of Homeless in San Diego. Today, we are honored to have Brandon O'Connell as our guest. Brandon, a Job Coach at Vantage Point for three years, is now pursuing his own company to help people coming out of incarceration. His journey from Skid Row to a stable and fulfilling life highlights his remarkable resilience, inner strength, and unwavering commitment to personal growth. Brandon runs his own podcast, Trash Can Talk, and collaborates with various companies in T-shirt printing, music, art, clothing, and stand-up comedy.

In this episode, Brandon shares insights on:

• His personal journey
• Reintegration programs for people coming out of incarceration
• The evolution of mental health facilities

Tune in to hear Brandon's inspiring story, how to give yourself a chance, and find support.

Links:

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/trashcancut/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/trash-can-talk/id1628343387

In this episode of Homeless in San Diego, we welcome our first-ever property manager, Eddie Walker. With over a hundred episodes behind us, we're excited to bring you a new perspective on the challenges and solutions surrounding homelessness. Eddie has been working with us for several years at Quince Park Apartments, providing invaluable partnership and support in our mission to help those in need.

Join us as Eddie shares his experiences, discusses the obstacles property managers face, and explores the approaches he's seen make a difference.

This week on Homeless in San Diego, we welcome filmmaker Jason Ritchie, a storyteller driven by the struggles of his own life. Ritchie was incarcerated for over 17 years in the California prison system and has overcome drug and alcohol addiction. He used education for his personal rehabilitation and believes it to be a crucial contributing factor for success in re-entry and recovery. Through Project Rebound, Ritchie has gone on to graduate from SDSU with an Interdisciplinary BA in Film, Journalism, and Art, and was accepted into a Master's program in Learning Design and Technology. His goal is to help others tell their stories of incarceration and addiction in the hopes of bringing awareness that these issues do not discriminate.

Ritchie recently received a fellowship through Columbia University's INCITE program, an interdisciplinary institute that produces knowledge for public action at Columbia University. There, he is creating an experiential theatrical installation piece titled "Street Seen." The play is expected to debut in November and invites audiences to view life from the perspective of people who live on the streets.

Don't miss this inspiring episode that challenges perceptions and showcases the strength found in second chances.

https://www.theunhousedcollective.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandiegounhousedcollective/

https://www.voicesofourcity.org/

https://www.housingsandiego.org/heal-network

https://www.housingca.org/our-work/run/

https://incite.columbia.edu/mission

https://www.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/student-success/project-rebound

In honor of Volunteer Appreciation month we have a remarkable podcast episode for you.

Our guest today is none other than David Fitzgibbons, a dedicated volunteer and donor at Interfaith. David has been serving as an intake volunteer every Tuesday and Thursday for over four years, helping to meet the basic needs of our community. He assists with obtaining food, hygiene products, clothes, resources, and connects people with a Case Manager as needed. David's commitment to our community is exemplary, and we are grateful for his service. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization, and we invite you to listen in and hear David's perspective. You might even be inspired to become our next intake volunteer.

https://interfaithservices.org/volunteer/

https://interfaithservices.org/donate/

https://interfaithservices.org/donation-inquiry/

"I think one of the things I'm most proud of about the organization and obviously your leadership is a huge part of that, is that the organization has taken this bold stance to say we are going to stand up against injustice, we are going to serve the most vulnerable, be proud of it, and we're not going to be quiet about it." Dr. Nate Sessoms

This week, we have a very special episode in store for 'Homeless in San Diego.' For the first time ever, our podcast is hosted by Dr. Nate Sessoms, CEO of Success Beyond Measure, and our Board Chair, Dr. Kadri Webb. Join them as they explore this year's theme, 'African Americans and the Arts,' delve into black history, and discuss its personal significance. They will share their experiences, stories, and accomplishments, shedding light on Interfaith's commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) within the community.

Joining CEO of Interfaith Community Services, Greg Anglea, are 3 employees each with their own diverse careers and their take on the Point In Time Count. Throughout the podcast, we tackle essential questions, such as the motivation behind participating in the PITC, the personal experiences of those involved, and the impact of the count on our community. Discover the stories behind the statistics, uncover the reasons people decide to work with those experiencing homelessness, and explore the concept of "meeting people where they are at."

2023 Data : https://www.rtfhsd.org/wp-content/uploads/2023-City-of-San-Diego-Region-Breakdown.pdf

Volunteer: https://www.interfaithservices.org/volunteer/

Interfaith's podcast, 'Homeless in San Diego,' is making a grand return! Not only are we launching the first episode back with senior investigative reporter Lisa Halverstadt, but going forward each episode will have a video version.

Lisa Halverstadt is a senior investigative reporter for Voice of San Diego who has been digging into the region's homelessness crisis for more than eight years.

Join us for this episode as we interview Lisa the most tenured reporter on homelessness in San Diego. As we cover our broken homeless system, the increased need for behavioral health beds, and the challenges people face experiencing homelessness.

If you have ever wondered how difficult it is for people to get help this episode offers invaluable insight. Make sure to look at the show notes below

P.S. After we recorded this episode Lisa released a two-part in-depth story on homeless hospital patients detailing the complex reality our San Diegans face on a daily basis. If you have the time we highly encourage you to read the story as well.

Email: [email protected]

X: @LisaHalverstadt

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-halverstadt-781a283/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LisaHalverstadt

https://www.homelessinsandiego.org/listen/jen

https://voiceofsandiego.org/2023/11/03/law-could-increase-demand-for-often-elusive-addiction-treatment/

https://www.talesofthestreet.com/

vosd.org/lisa

https://voiceofsandiego.org/2024/01/03/county-under-pressure-to-deliver-more-behavioral-health-beds/

https://voiceofsandiego.org/2023/12/28/san-diegos-homeless-response-took-a-punitive-turn-in-2023/

https://voiceofsandiego.org/2024/01/31/theyre-medically-cleared-get-them-out-why-homeless-hospital-patients-end-up-on-the-street/

https://voiceofsandiego.org/2024/02/06/why-shelter-is-often-elusive-for-homeless-hospital-patients/

Join us for a reflective journey in this special episode of "Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories" as we pay tribute to the late Peter Seidler. Your host, Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, guides us through a poignant exploration of a past episode featuring Peter Seidler, Managing Partner of the San Diego Padres.

In this thoughtful retrospective, we revisit the insightful conversation between Greg and Peter, delving into Peter's background in business and Major League Baseball. Together, they explore the transformative moments that shaped Peter's commitment to addressing homelessness in San Diego. Peter's personal experiences, including his battle with cancer and the meaningful connections he forged while walking the streets of Downtown San Diego, provide a powerful backdrop for this reflection.

As we honor the legacy of Peter Seidler, this episode serves as a tribute to his dedication and compassion towards making a positive impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Join us for a heartfelt journey as we revisit the wisdom and insights shared by Peter in this memorable episode.

Scott life had hit rock bottom. After serving in the Air Force and battling homelessness and addiction on the streets of San Diego, he felt trapped in despair. Yet, a glimmer of hope emerged when he realized he had the unwavering support of the VA. With nothing left to lose, he sought solace at the VA hospital, where he began his journey to recovery.

During his time there, Aspell was informed a program for homeless veterans run by Interfaith Community Services. Determined to turn his life around, he immersed himself in the program at the Abraham & Lillian Turk Recuperative Care Center.

Aware that the road ahead wouldn't be smooth, Aspell acknowledged the challenges he faced. Although he possessed disability benefits and social security, his credit score is in poor shape. Yet, he holds onto optimism, hoping that he would qualify for a low-income home.

With determination fueling his spirit and newfound support guiding his path, Aspell embarked on a quest for stability and a fresh start. The echoes of his troubled past spurred him forward, eager to break free from the chains that once bound him. As he seeks a place to call his own, Aspell dreams of a future built on resilience, strength, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.

Hugh Hughes is the president of Residency Apparel, a social enterprise using custom, branded apparel to support women transitioning into permanent housing in Los Angeles. For over the last ten years, Residency has worked with and alongside the unhoused population in LA, and they are able to fund that work through their donors and their clients that need their own branded merchandise. Their programs are two-fold: supportive employment, and sponsorship of trauma therapy for women in need. You can learn more about their work at www.residencyapparel.com