Heard by One Step Away One Step Away

In the season 1 finale episode, Caia talks about her recent bout of homelessness, her hope through One Step Away, and an inspirational local leader.

In this second to last episode of the first season, we speak with Kevin, a.k.a. "Smiley". Kevin is a 58 year old Philly native that co-founded "cardboard city" while homeless. Cardboard city blew up to be a 300 person encampment in Philly for close to 20 years. 

Kevin also talks about insecurities as a child manifesting themselves over the course of his life and achieving sobriety over time. Kevin distributes One Step Away magazines at 19th and Chestnut. He's currently in school working on re-establishing his studies. 

Richard "Ram" reflects on his life story and how homelessness starts from role models and environments as a child. After a mistake as a teenager that sent him away to prison, Ram learned to build new habits and re-discover his interests through creative outlets. Today he sells the One Step Away magazine at Trader Joes on Market Street, while pursuing his poetry and jewelry side projects.

Edward talks about how every person's situation differs, the barriers to work while homeless, how race interacts with homelessness (especially in legal settings), and ultimately how it all comes down to treating people they way you want to be treated yourself. 

Deirdre talks through the tragedies that led her to homelessness and the moment that changed her perspective on everything. 

Jerry talks through his experience with childhood homelessness, rediscovering family, and appearing as a Hollywood extra.