Hey Gang, on today's episode Kerby and Beth share their powerful story about life without stable housing in Boulder, Colorado. They talk about survival, safety, community, and hope. Despite facing immense hardship, they mentor others, advocate for practical solutions, and strive to uplift the people around them.📌 This is part of The Community Project’s ongoing conversations with folks experiencing homelessness and those working on the front lines of change.To learn more or support the mission, visit http://www.thecommunityproject.org#homelessness #bouldercolorado #housingcrisis #kerbyandbeth #streetlife #communityproject #survivorstories #housingfirst #povertyawareness #compassioninaction #thecommunityproject

"Trauma is what brought these folks to thesesituations." – Vic

Vic shares his raw and powerful story of homelessness andaddiction, highlighting how trauma, poverty, and systemic failure converge tokeep people stuck. His experience shows the power of recovery, peer support,and second chances.

Vic dives into his past and his transformation into asupport leader. He speaks openly about the deep emotional wounds behind substance use, and the role of real, trained peer support in breaking the cycle. From trauma to training others in recovery, Vic offers more than a personal story—he delivers insight into why systems fail, what’s missing, andhow hope and peer connection are the most vital tools for change.

• Homelessness and addiction are symptoms of deeper trauma

• The system often punishes poverty instead of addressing rootcauses

• Peer support roles need proper training and structure to beeffective

• Limited services mean only the most vulnerable gethelp—others are left waiting

• True change happens when community members stay curious and act withcompassion

 “State of the Street”is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.org

To find out how you can assist, contact us [email protected] (www.thecommunityproject.org). The CommunityProject is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Remember, it’s better together!

From the frontlines of addiction recovery to the heart ofunsheltered life, Harold and Vic reveal what systems miss—and what peoplereally need. Both speak with raw honesty about pain and resilience. This conversation exposes gaps in services, misunderstandings about addiction, and how peer support can become a lifeline. With humility and urgency, Harold andVic make clear: addressing homelessness and addiction takes real listening,real empathy, and sustained support.

Key Points:

• Addiction recovery is not linear and needs sustained peersupport.

• Many people don’t know how to access available resources.

• Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healing.

• Lived experience is crucial in outreach work.

• Emotional resilience and community support go hand inhand.

Welcome to Ground Up This is part of The Community Project:Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like tofind out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.org

To find out how you can assist, contact us [email protected] (www.thecommunityproject.org). The CommunityProject is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

To find out more about Harold’s , check out ⁠www.ourhouseco.org⁠

#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries#Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness#DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado#SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

From the frontlines of addiction recovery to the heart ofunsheltered life, Harold and Vic reveal what systems miss—and what peoplereally need. Both speak with raw honesty about pain and resilience. This conversation exposes gaps in services, misunderstandings about addiction, and how peer support can become a lifeline. With humility and urgency, Harold andVic make clear: addressing homelessness and addiction takes real listening,real empathy, and sustained support.

Key Points:

• Addiction recovery is not linear and needs sustained peersupport.

• Many people don’t know how to access available resources.

• Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to healing.

• Lived experience is crucial in outreach work.

• Emotional resilience and community support go hand inhand.

Welcome to Ground Up This is part of The Community Project:Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like tofind out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.org

To find out how you can assist, contact us [email protected] (www.thecommunityproject.org). The CommunityProject is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

To find out more about Harold’s , check out www.ourhouseco.org

#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries#Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness#DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado#SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

Over the last year we’ve made it our mission to try to understand the homeless situation within Boulder County.

We’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with four local nonprofits that provide services to the unhoused community. We’ve been fortunate to build relationshipswith truly incredible people both providing and receiving services and what we’ve learned is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. Through this series of conversations,we’ll attempt to impart our experience  

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On today’s episode, we speak with Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from the Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response which is a branch of the Boulder County Housing Department as well Kerby and Beth a couplethat are currently experiencing homelessness in Boulder County.

Over the last year we’ve made it our mission to try to understand the homeless situation within Boulder County.

We’ve had the opportunity to volunteer with four local nonprofits that provide services to the unhoused community. We’ve been fortunate to build relationshipswith truly incredible people both providing and receiving services and what we’ve learned is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking. Through this series of conversations,we’ll attempt to impart our experience  

____________________________________

On today’s episode, we speak with Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from the Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response which is a branch of the Boulder County Housing Department as well Kerby and Beth a couplethat are currently experiencing homelessness in Boulder County.