Elevated Denver

Johnna Flood

The Elevated Denver Podcast has produced two seasons with over 30 episodes that lift up the voices of neighbors experiencing homelessness and the experts working toward solutions. We uncover the systemic breakdowns that perpetuate homelessness, spotlight innovative strategies in Denver and beyond, and share a vision for how we can redesign our social safety net so all neighbors have the chance to thrive. Support our work: https://elevateddenver.co/donate/

  1. 11/25/2025 · BONUS

    Dignity, Cash, and Change: Inside the Denver Basic Income Project (Part 1)

    In this special two-part series, we explore one of the most talked-about ideas in the national conversation on poverty and homelessness: basic income. This episode features Gwen Battis, Project Manager at the Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP) about what happens when we trust people, and give them the financial foundation they need to rebuild their lives. Gwen talks about DBIP's upcoming documentary, what they hope viewers take away, and why telling this story right now matters more than ever. We also hear from Mark Donovan, DBIP’s founder, about the origins of the pilot and the remarkable outcomes they've seen. Throughout the conversation, we unpack: Why direct, unconditional cash works and what the data showsHow stereotypes about homelessness and basic income break down when we listen to real storiesThe connection between dignity, agency, stability, and opportunityWhat it truly costs to keep someone in crisis vs. supporting financial stabilityWhy cash cannot replace the safety net, but can strengthen itHow basic income might help us reimagine systems that are failing individuals and families todayLinks & Resources: Denver Basic Income Project — https://www.denverbasicincomeproject.orgFollow DBIP on Instagram/TikTok: @denverbasicincomeprojectDenver VOICE — https://denvervoice.orgElevated Denver — https://elevateddenver.coDonate to Support our work — https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Elevatedenver Thank you for listening. If this conversation moved you, share the episode and join us for Part 2, where we explore shifting mindsets, what DBIP’s documentary reveals, and what it takes to build systems rooted in dignity and equity.

    24 min
  2. 02/19/2025

    From Crisis to Connection: A Community-Designed Solution to Prevent Homelessness

    In the final episode of our special series on the Collaboratory and solutions to homelessness, we dive into the transformative solution that emerged from our work: Resource Connection Hubs. These Hubs, designed by those with lived experience, aim to address a critical gap in the homelessness response system—helping people find the resources they need before they experience homelessness or fall into chronic homelessness. You'll hear from Collaboratory co-designers, champions, and national experts on: 🔹 Why peer-led support is key to making the system more effective. 🔹 How these hubs differ from existing resource centers. 🔹 The power of community-driven solutions in preventing homelessness. 🔹 What’s next for piloting and scaling this initiative. Featured Voices: 🎙 Jennifer Speight (National homelessness advocate) on the urgency of early intervention. 🎙 Jeff Olivet (Federal homelessness expert) on the importance of local solutions. 🎙 Collaboratory co-designers & champions on how the Hubs will reshape Denver’s response system. 🎙 Jamie Morgan (Collaboratory facilitator) on what makes the Collaboratory model work. Join the Movement: 🚀 Visit https://elevateddenver.co/ to learn more and sign up for our newsletter. 📢 Follow us on Instagram & LinkedIn (@ElevatedDenver.co) to stay updated. 💡 Help us spread the word—share this episode and be part of reimagining systems that work for everyone. 💙 Support this work! Make a donation to help us pilot and scale peer-led hubs: elevateddenver.co/donate Special Thanks: This series is made possible by the support of Don & Lynn Burnes, Sal & Mimi Tripodi, and the incredible Collaboratory participants who co-designed this groundbreaking solution. With true collaboration, homelessness is solvable. Let’s build a more just, connected Denver—together.

    20 min

Trailers

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

The Elevated Denver Podcast has produced two seasons with over 30 episodes that lift up the voices of neighbors experiencing homelessness and the experts working toward solutions. We uncover the systemic breakdowns that perpetuate homelessness, spotlight innovative strategies in Denver and beyond, and share a vision for how we can redesign our social safety net so all neighbors have the chance to thrive. Support our work: https://elevateddenver.co/donate/