Homeless

Everyone has their own story. Everyone has skeletons in their closet. Everyone has potential to break free from chains of oppression with resilience. Sometimes we need to let others help us. Sometimes we need to swallow our pride, accept our place in life, and allow a team or a squad to love us for who we are and for who they know we can be.

The power of community is a power that will change this world: radical social justice. Homelessness is not about individual failures… it is about a structural abandonment. An unequal and racist society must be confronted head on if we hope to change. Justice is key. Justice is the goal. Justice… is Real Change.

Today, you will meet Brittan. She is the Executive Director of Babies of Homelessness based in Seattle. She has sobering facts, statistics that will make your skill crawl, and yet, she has a positive outlook into what can be done for these families. Brittan faced homelessness herself at a young age. She is a veteran and an uplifting spirit. She is determined to make sure babies, infants and toddlers do not go without.

40% of homeless youth are LGBTQ. These young adults that are highly rejected by their families are three times more likely to use illegal drugs and to be at high-risk for HIV, and 8 times more likely to attempt suicide. Five of the top six barriers to improving services targeting LGBTQ homelessness relate to a lack of funding from all forms of government, foundations, and the public. There are up to 2.8 million youth at any given time who are homeless in the United States alone. 62% of LGBT youth experience some form of discrimination from their families, which is double the amount of other youth demographics. Only 1% of the federal budget that is given out to families for public housing, affordable housing programs, or rental assistance is allocated toward helping homeless youth.

American Indians represent 10% of the homeless population in Seattle Washington’s King County and surrounding counties. The native tribes are a forgotten people. This is nothing new… since the devastation of so many native tribes due to American settlers over the last few hundred years, the native population has grown smaller and for many, insignificant. Drug use among American Indians has been a focus of advocacy groups that reach out to support those dealing with substance dependency issues, and the amount of homeless among the tribal members has grown. And now, in this new pandemic of COVID-19, we are seeing the numbers of substance abuse and homelessness rise.

Do you feel hopeless right now? Do you feel alone? Or are you finding rejuvenation in resetting your perspective? This episode might do just that... Today we will hear from Richard, a drug addict turned outreach administrator for the Union Gospel Mission. He is on the Search and Rescue team and hits the streets every single day, looking to not only bring hope and joy to those that meets, but with the mission to make sure that those he talks with walk away with this to remember: they matter… they are seen.

In the northwest corner of Washington State lies the sleepy town of Port Angeles. With approximately 20,000 residents, the homeless community is growing and is quite visible. Amy, our guest, has become an advocate for the homeless. We spent a few hours together talking and meeting some of her friends... her homeless friends. She works 24/7 and her mission in life is to meet individuals where they are at, and guide them on a journey to resolve. She has a spirit to be the advocate the un-sheltered need. She caused me to look on the inside... to search my motivations and desire to help. She will do this for you too. This is Amy...

Special Episode Release... Tempers are emerging. Protests are growing. Anger is climbing. Frustration has hit an all-time high. This special episode is released today in response to the extended moratorium on rent and mortgage collection, and while recorded in February, this is the prime time to release such an episode.

John served in Vietnam as a Marine, and is dealing with the effects of Agent Orange to this day. He has finally started receiving funds from the VA, and is using those funds to help support a school. Giving back is truly at the center of this soldiers heart. You will hear about his deployment, his job while stationed in Vietnam, how he contracted dioxins present in Agent Orange, and how he has made his journey one of peace and freedom. John lives at Sarge’s Place, a home for veterans in the small town of Forks, Washington, run by the incredible Cheri Tinker. If you haven’t heard of Sarge’s Place yet, please go back and listen to episode 5 to hear her story and take a tour of the incredible facility.

An hour of peaceful music for you to reflect, find calmness and simply sit and listen. We are in an unprecedented time of uncertainty, and the Homeless Podcast, Blue Piper Productions and supporting artists want to give you the opportunity to be surrounded by healing sound. All artists are listed in the episode notes, and you can learn more about their music in the links. We will continue with regular scheduled podcasts in two weeks, hearing stories of recovery and redemption.