Not That Different

The City Mission
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Non-Profit

One catastrophic situation can change a person's life forever. It could happen to anyone. The question then is why do we assume those experiencing homelessness are so different than us? Through real life stories and conversations, Not That Different will reveal the stories behind the statistics for those experiencing traumatic life situations and homelessness. Tune in to learn how we're really not that different. 

Episodes

  1. 14h ago

    Investing in Impact

    What role should the Church play in addressing homelessness and serving people in crisis? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Phil Kerlin, Interim Pastor at Journey Church in Cleveland and a leadership coach who works closely with The City Mission's senior leadership team. Through his coaching and guidance, Phil helps strengthen the leadership, vision, and effectiveness of the organization as it serves men, women, and children experiencing homelessness. We talk about why Phil chooses to invest his time and expertise in The City Mission, what he has learned through working alongside our leadership team, and why he believes churches and ministries are stronger when they partner together. As both a pastor and a coach, Phil shares his perspective on leadership, service, and the important role the Church can play in caring for the most vulnerable members of our communities. This conversation is a reminder that lasting impact is rarely accomplished alone. When churches, ministries, and community partners work together, lives can be changed in powerful ways. Learn more about Journey Church: https://journey.church/ Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    28 min

  2. Jun 3

    Showing Up Matters

    What difference can one person make? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with one of The City Mission’s dedicated volunteers and supporters to talk about what happens when someone chooses to get involved. Through volunteering, giving, and building relationships with residents and staff, she has gained a firsthand perspective on the realities of homelessness and the power of showing up for others. We discuss what first drew her to The City Mission, how her perspective has changed through serving, and why she continues to invest her time and resources in this work. She shares stories, lessons learned, and the impact that serving others has had on her own life. This conversation is a reminder that changing lives isn't reserved for professionals or experts. Sometimes it begins with a willing heart, a little bit of time, and a decision to care. Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    32 min

  3. May 20

    Start by Listening

    What does it take to truly understand a community before trying to serve it? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Sam Jablonski, a community researcher who partnered with The City Mission to better understand the needs of Cleveland’s Ward 5 neighborhood. Through his research, Sam helped us take a closer look at the challenges, strengths, and opportunities within the community — giving us a clearer picture of how to serve our neighbors more thoughtfully and effectively. We talk about why listening matters, what meaningful community impact actually requires, and why good intentions alone are not enough to create lasting change. Sam shares what drew him to this work, why he chose to use his time and expertise to support The City Mission, and what he believes organizations need to do to serve communities well. This conversation is a reminder that meaningful impact starts with listening — and that the best way to love a community is to understand it first. Learn more about Sam’s work: https://jablonskiresearch.com/ Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    31 min

  4. May 6

    Restoring More Than Buildings

    What does neighborhood development have to do with homelessness? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Ricardo León, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked parts of the homelessness conversation: safe and affordable housing. Ricardo shares what the Cuyahoga Land Bank does, why its work matters, and how restoring vacant and abandoned properties can create safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and more opportunities for stability. We talk about the connection between housing insecurity and homelessness, what happens when neighborhoods are left behind, and why community revitalization is about more than buildings — it’s about people. Ricardo also shares what drew him to this work, why he believes in it, and why partnering with The City Mission matters in addressing the deeper issues connected to homelessness. This conversation offers a broader look at how housing, community, and human dignity are deeply connected — and why stable housing is often where real change begins. Learn more about the Cuyahoga Land Bank: https://cuyahogalandbank.org/ Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats

    33 min

  5. Apr 22

    Volunteer to CEO

    What does it look like to lead an organization serving people in crisis — and to stay connected to the heart behind the work? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Linda Uveges, CEO of The City Mission. Linda’s journey began more than 20 years ago as a volunteer, and over time she has grown into the role of leading the organization — overseeing both Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center and Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center. In this conversation, Linda shares how The City Mission has evolved, what it takes to move someone from crisis to stability, and why long-term programming is essential to lasting change. She offers a unique perspective shaped by decades of walking alongside people in some of the hardest seasons of their lives. More than anything, Linda reminds us that behind every program, every policy, and every statistic are real people — people whose lives may look more like ours than we realize. This episode is a powerful look at leadership, compassion, and the belief that lasting transformation is possible. Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    30 min

  6. Apr 8

    Receive Him as a Brother

    Today, we’re talking with a local pastor and member of The City Mission’s Board of Trustees who recently spent time with our staff reflecting on the story of Philemon and what it teaches us about dignity, status, and the way we see others. His perspective helps us connect an ancient biblical story to the work we do every day serving people who are often overlooked or misunderstood. And through conversations like this one—and the many episodes we have planned—one truth continues to rise to the surface: we’re really not that different. To find out more about Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Pastor Stephen Owens go to: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church - Bedford, OH | Sunday Service 10 AM Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    31 min

  7. Mar 25

    God Redeems Families

    What does real change actually look like? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with two brothers who came through The City Mission during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Facing instability and uncertainty, they made the decision to step into the program and begin the hard work of rebuilding. Today, their lives look very different. Not only have they found stability, but they now work full time at The City Mission — walking alongside others who are in the same place they once were. Their story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of having people who believe in you when it’s hardest to believe in yourself. This conversation is a powerful reminder that change is possible — and that the people we serve are not so different from any of us. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support at the right time. Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    27 min

  8. Mar 11

    You are Worth the Effort

    What does it really take to rebuild a life? In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Sarah Cody and Raquel Nashe, Workforce Development Specialists at The City Mission. Every day, they walk alongside residents who are stepping out of crisis and beginning the hard work of rebuilding — not just their résumés, but their confidence. We talk about what it looks like when someone enters The City Mission’s programs and starts preparing to re-enter society and the workforce. From overcoming employment gaps and rebuilding soft skills to navigating interviews and learning professional communication, Sarah and Raquel explain why writing a résumé is only about 3% of what they actually do. Because preparing for the workforce after experiencing homelessness isn’t just about finding a job — it’s about restoring dignity, stability, and belief. This conversation pulls back the curtain on what happens inside the Resource Center each day and reminds us of a powerful truth: Everyone is worth the effort. Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    32 min

  9. Feb 25

    132 Women, 110 Children

    In this episode of Not That Different, host Jaime Buxton sits down with Katie Skizenta, Intake Specialist at Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Katie is often the very first person women speak to when they call for help, hearing their stories in moments of fear, uncertainty, and crisis. Through her frontline perspective, Katie shares what homelessness really looks like right now — the job losses, medical emergencies, domestic violence situations, and sudden life changes that can quickly unravel stability. Her experience challenges common assumptions and reveals just how close many of these women’s lives are to our own. This conversation sets the foundation for the heart behind Not That Different: when we listen to real stories, we begin to see that we’re more alike than we think. Learn more, volunteer, or give at thecitymission.org Connect with us at connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram: @thecitymission Facebook: The City Mission Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    28 min

  10. Feb 18

    You're Really Not That Different

    Why would a rescue mission start a podcast? In this introductory episode of Not That Different, host Jaime Buxton shares the heart behind the microphone. We explain who The City Mission is, what we do, and why we believe the conversation around homelessness needs to change. For over a century, The City Mission has walked alongside men, women, and children experiencing crisis — offering not just shelter, but long-term programming focused on recovery, workforce development, education, and restoration. But behind every program is a person. Behind every statistic is a story. This podcast exists to challenge assumptions, break down stereotypes, and remind us of a simple but powerful truth: The people experiencing homelessness are not “other.” They are parents, workers, neighbors — people whose lives took an unexpected turn. And if we’re honest, many of us are closer to crisis than we’d like to admit. In this episode, we share who we are, what makes our approach different, and where we believe this conversation can lead. Because when we truly listen, we begin to see it: You’re really not that different. Learn more, volunteer, or give: https://thecitymission.org/ Connect with us: connect@thecitymission.org Follow The City Mission: Instagram — @thecitymission Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/ Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

    17 min
  • 10 Episodes

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

One catastrophic situation can change a person's life forever. It could happen to anyone. The question then is why do we assume those experiencing homelessness are so different than us? Through real life stories and conversations, Not That Different will reveal the stories behind the statistics for those experiencing traumatic life situations and homelessness. Tune in to learn how we're really not that different. 

Information

  • Creator
    The City Mission
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The City Mission
  • Show Website
    Not That Different

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