31 episodes
Elevated Denver Johnna Flood
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- Society & Culture
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5.0 • 15 Ratings
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The Elevated Denver podcast is back with a second season. We hear from more neighbors and learn about their experience with homelessness, and also hear from experts on what we need to solve this challenge. We also highlight some innovative strategies in Denver and beyond and have a call to action to be a part of collaborative efforts to create positive change. Season 2 builds off Season 1, a 10-episode, documentary-style narrative that focuses on homelessness to illustrate how Denver’s social safety net and economy are leaving nearly half of our neighbors behind.
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BONUS: When We Walk By
In this special bonus episode of the Elevated Denver Podcast, we interview Don Burns and Kevin F. Adler, co-authors of the book "When We Walk By," a profound exploration of America's homelessness crisis. Kevin, an award-winning social entrepreneur and Founder of Miracle Messages, and Don, an expert on homelessness, discuss the book's focus on both the policy and human perspectives of homelessness, emphasizing the crucial role of relational poverty—loneliness, isolation, and stigma. They highlight the intersectionality of housing insecurity with foster care, criminal justice, and systems of oppression, urging a shift in societal perspectives. The authors stress the need for empathetic connections, dispelling negative stereotypes, and share insights into practical solutions, weaving personal narratives and systemic analysis into a call for collective action and compassion.
Find the book here.
Watch the unedited interview on YouTube.
Get involved in Miracle Message. -
S2: Episode 15 - The System
In this episode, the last of the season, we dig into the housing and homelessness system, as well as the other systems that intersect homelessness. We also dive into the many factors that are contributing to our current homelessness crisis, highlighting a few of the stories you have heard through the season. We touch on the wage-cost of living disparity, the cliff effect, racial disparities, and the need for more responsive housing and supports. You will hear from Dr. Jamie Rife, the newly appointed head of the Office of Housing Stability (HOST), Britta Fisher, former head of HOST and current CEO of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and many others. They will talk about homelessness prevention, and solutions steeped in collaboration and informed by the users of the system--those experiencing homelessness. It's a jam-packed episode. Enjoy!
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S2: Episode 14 - Homeless to Healing: Cuica Montoya's Story
In this compelling episode, we delve into Cuica Montoya's inspiring journey from her early life in central Denver to her personal battle with loss, homelessness, and healing, culminating in her remarkable leadership of the Safe Outdoor Spaces (SOS) program. We explore how SOS offers shelter, hygiene services, and crucial support for people facing homelessness. We also hear from Randall, a resident at an SOS site, who shares his own journey and aspirations for the future. Cuica emphasizes the importance of community, belonging, and dignity in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, showcasing the potential of SOS sites to serve as stepping stones to brighter futures.
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S2: Episode 13 - Veteran Homelessness
In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of veteran homelessness, sharing the compelling stories of two veterans, Ben and Dustin. They highlight the challenges veterans face, such as health issues, wrongful terminations, and the difficulties in obtaining disability benefits. The episode explores the Built for Zero initiative from Community Solutions, emphasizing its data-driven and person-centered approach to addressing homelessness. The local Built for Zero initiative with veterans is discussed, showcasing a 21% reduction in veteran homelessness in the past year. Ben and Dustin, despite finding housing, shed light on ongoing challenges and emphasize the need for support and trust.Learn more about community solutions and Built for Zero here: https://community.solutions/built-for-zero/the-movement/
Read another veteran story and learn about local resources to support veterans with housing and other needs: https://elevateddenver.co/aveteransperspective/ -
S2: Episode 12 - Dignity in Death
In this episode, we explore a heartrending but essential topic – end-of-life care for Denver's unhoused population. These individuals, often living on the streets, face unique challenges in accessing hospice and palliative care. The spotlight shines on the remarkable work of Rocky Mountain Refuge, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing dignified hospice services to the unhoused.Learn about the inspiring journey of Rocky Mountain Refuge, a specialized shelter offering 24/7 hospice care to unhoused individuals. This organization stands as a beacon of compassion and support in a challenging environment. Our hosts talk to Brother JP Hall, a Gregorian Friar committed to working with marginalized communities, and Pilar Ingle, a researcher delving into end-of-life and palliative care for the homeless. Discover their insights and heartfelt commitment to making a difference. The episode underscores the significant challenges faced by those without a permanent home in accessing the care they need, especially when it comes to end-of-life care. Learn how Rocky Mountain Refuge fills this crucial gap.Learn more about Rocky Mountain Refuge: https://rockymountainrefuge.org/ and learn more about this important topic in a blog authored by Pilar: https://elevateddenver.co/blog/.
Support Elevated Denver! https://elevateddenver.co/donate/ -
S2: Episode 11 - Evictions
Evictions are a topic many people are talking about. As an organization focused on solutions, we believe in prevention, and we wanted to dive in and learn more about evictions in our community. We talked to people on all sides of evictions--tenants who have direct experience, landlords, and organizations trying to support people staying housed. What we learned surprised us. There are multiple steps before an eviction where a person could use support to stay housed. if we really want to keep people who have housing, in housing, we need to drive support much further upstream than evictions. This episode changed our perspective, and it might change yours as well.Learn more about supports for landlords and tenants offered by B-Konnected: https://bkonnected.org/Learn more about eviction support provided by Colorado Poverty Law Project: https://www.copovertylawproject.org/
Customer Reviews
Perseverance
Big shout out to Lucky and the Elevate Denver staff that shared his story…and the stories of our unhoused community members and the folks who serve them. Listening to this podcast leaves me with a mix of hope, dismay, admiration, anger, it makes me smile, cringe, cry. It is a necessary and quite well done part of the community conversation. Thank you.
A podcast seeking solutions and getting to the core of the problems
The Elevated Denver Podcast has taken a unique, compassionate, and much-needed approach to the often misunderstood issue of homelessness. Returning for a second season, the podcast continues its profound commitment to humanizing homelessness, exploring the diverse stories of those experiencing it, and seeking out tangible solutions that benefit the city, citizens, and the homeless population alike.
Season 1 astoundingly laid the foundation by presenting a riveting, 10-episode narrative that unflinchingly shed light on the cracks within Denver's social safety net and economy. It bravely brought to the forefront how nearly half of our neighbors are falling behind, a stark truth that stirred listeners and provoked thought.
Now, in Season 2, Elevated Denver pushes the boundaries of conversation even further. With empathetic and engaging discussions, it offers a powerful platform for more of our neighbors to share their experiences with homelessness. The podcast illuminates the humanness behind the statistics, adding rich, personal dimensions to an issue that is often perceived in broad strokes.
Yet, Elevated Denver doesn't stop at telling stories. It taps into the minds of experts and stakeholders, delving into the complexities of homelessness and the myriad factors contributing to it. With thoughtful and incisive discussions, it unearths potential solutions and innovative strategies being pursued in Denver and beyond.
One of the podcast's standout features is its strong call to action. It fosters a sense of collective responsibility and invites listeners to be part of collaborative efforts to create positive change. This is not a podcast that merely observes the issue from afar; it inspires, encourages, and instigates active involvement.
As it stands, The Elevated Denver Podcast is not just a program—it's a movement. It's a comprehensive exploration of homelessness that enlightens, informs, and ultimately, aims to make a difference. I strongly recommend tuning into this thoughtful and stimulating podcast, especially for those seeking to understand homelessness more deeply and play a part in solution-building.
Engaging and humanizing
I’ve learned so much by listening to this podcast. I recommend it to anyone who wants to hear from a range of folks from those experiencing homelessness to folks working to eliminate it. So great!