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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.

We are at a paradigm shift has a human race. We are facing new changes and challenges in society. And many of us are struggling to find peace. David's story (part 2) is one we all can learn from... one we all may need right now. He is a finely tuned veteran that has found peace through acceptance and love through humility. David's story is powerful and determined, and he has found his center.

Michael McGlynn of Dublin, Ireland, has a mission to spread peace through musical experience through his ensemble Anúna. He, and us, the singers, are honored to share with you an online experience and performance that will move you and allow you to give to homeless shelters around the world. As Ireland and much of the world has closed down for St. Patrick’s day celebrations and recognition, Michael is please to provide this concert to you, yours and those that you know. And you will have the opportunity to give to homeless shelters around the world. The homeless population are amongst the most vulnerable to the spread of the COVID-19. A basic human right is to have a place to feel safe, away from harm, observe safe hygiene, and have shelter. Homeless are being hit all over the world by this virus, and non-profits and charities are desperate for resources as beds are full, meals are scarce, and shelter is reaching the point of overflowing. The carona virus is on the climb, and we are just seeing the beginning of this epidemic, with no way to predict what will happen to those that are most vulnerable around us, including the elderly, the immune-compromised, those with underlying health issues, and… the homeless.

David had it all: family, house, boat, million-dollar contracts... and he lost it. But he has found peace... and he is changing lives. On a cloudy day in the town of Forks, Washington, the Homeless Podcast sat down with David for part 1 of 2 to discuss his journey and where he is going. His outlook is one of acceptance, growth, forgiveness and humility, and he has makes anyone he meets strive to be better. You won't want to miss this incredible discussion about life and depth of spirit.

In the heart of Clallam County in Washington state, there lies a small logging town, just 12 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Forks, recently made famous by the Twilight series, is a recovering logging town, and hosts a refuge for those that signed their names on a dotted line, ready to go into battle and give their lives for you and for me. Sarge's Place is a home for veterans seeking shelter, and their champion, Cheri, has made it a refuge of comfort and stability. She has changed lives... she has saved lives. And she has guided lives onto the horizon through resources, medical support, workforce training and most importantly... providing dignity and kindness. She tells us her story, and the story of Ken, a veteran that passed away at Sarge's Place, but made an incredible impact while he was there. And still is. This is Cheri and Ken...

In the shadow of the capital building in Olympia Washington, across the small lake that weekend athletes walk and jog around, there lies a bridge. This bridge connects western Olympia neighborhoods with downtown. And under that bridge, there is a neighborhood. A neighborhood with houses of canvas, condos of tarp, apartments of cardboard. In this neighborhood you will find 18-25 residents chatting with each other, huddling around an oil drum with flames shooting upward, and passing around as much cheer, laughter and conversation as can be mustered. And it isn’t much. In this neighborhood, you’ll find the leader of the pack, the captain of the squad, the godfather of the streets. His name… is Opie.

With only 72 hours to clear out a tent city in Tacoma, Washington, we talk with Jackson, a well-spoken and clear-headed individual who is doing what he can to get off the streets... but is forced to leave the only home he has. This episode listens to those that live in tent cities and look for a way out... but each story is different. Each story has a beginning. Most stories... have no end.

What if you could just pack up a small bag and walk out the door? What if you could leave all the worries, financial struggles, career pressures, family obligations and debt behind you? Would you do it? Would you head out that door into the world and look for any way to forget the past? Or, would you take your past with you, reflecting on your life choices and your intentions to be free from responsibility? This episode about Tad, Mark and Davy explores those that CHOOSE to live on the fringe... without a home and striving to live in ultimate freedom. But then again, freedom can be a trap.

Psychiatric wards, paperwork, prescription drugs... In this inaugural episode, Jennifer walks us through her journey of homelessness including her battle with petty theft, drug addiction, and recalling her struggles with shelters and psychiatric wards.

The Homeless Podcast explores the lives of individuals who live on the fringe of society, examining what really happens when someone loses everything. In this podcast, you will hear the personal stories of those who have found themselves down a pathway that they perhaps never thought they would travel. Homeless premiers January 1st, 2020. You can find new episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Subscribe today!