Elevated Denver

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.

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!

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.

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/

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/

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/

Elevated Denver hosted a live podcast recording, featuring Goodr Grocer, an innovative program that is providing free grocery stores at local schools by developing technology and logistics to track surplus food from pickup to donation, delivering real-time social and environmental impact. Senator James Coleman sat down with us and the Founder & CEO of Goodr Grocer, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, to talk with her about the importance of food security in addressing poverty and homelessness in our community.Check out Jasmine's Ted Talk & follow Goodr on socials: https://www.facebook.com/GoodrCo/ | https://www.instagram.com/goodrco/ | https://twitter.com/TheGoodrCo | https://www.linkedin.com/company/goodrcoFollow Senator Coleman: https://www.facebook.com/colemanforcolorado/ | https://www.instagram.com/colemanforcolorado/?hl=en | https://twitter.com/ColemanforCO

In this episode of the Elevated Denver Podcast, the focus is on the Denver Basic Income Project (DBIP), which aims to provide direct cash contributions to individuals experiencing homelessness. Lorinda Gill, a DBIP participant, shares her journey of wrongful eviction and moving around to resolve her situation. Dr. Katie Calhoun explains the research methods used in the DBIP's randomized controlled trial, assessing its impact on housing, financial well-being, health, and more. Participants Lorinda and Charlie share how DBIP funds have positively affected their lives, offering financial stability and hopefulness. The episode highlights the project's underlying values of dignity, respect, and belief in individuals' potential for positive change. While basic income alone cannot solve homelessness, the DBIP aligns with Elevated Denver's principles of equity and dignity, offering valuable support to low-income and homeless families. The episode concludes with a glimpse into the DBIP's ongoing research and future plans. https://denverbasicincomeproject.org/DBIP Qualitative Research Midterm Report

In this episode we interviewed Lucky, a resident of the Safe Outdoor Space run by Colorado Village Collaborative. Lucky describes his journey into houselessness, struggling with epilepsy and job loss, and his plans for the future. He shares why he chose the name “Lucky” and how he developed community during his time living in the S.O.S.Help us cross the finish line with Season 2 by donating to our fundraising campaign! Did you know we compensate our interviewees with a gift card? Chip in $25 to help ensure we can share a small token of our gratitude with the brave individuals who share a piece of themselves with Elevated Denver listeners: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Elevateddenver. And as always, please rate and share this episode.

In this episode, we delve into the critical issue of housing instability faced by hardworking individuals who are often overlooked in our community. Many individuals work diligently, both salaried and waged jobs, yet find themselves unable to make ends meet in an increasingly unaffordable housing market. We explore the concept of self-sufficiency and the income levels needed to maintain stable living conditions. Unfortunately, the reality is that income levels rarely match the actual need, causing severe disparities in housing affordability for countless individuals in our city. We also bring hope through our discussion of programs that are making a difference. One such program is the Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT), which aims to provide permanent affordable homeownership opportunities. We sit down with Stefka Fanchi, the Executive Director of ECLT, to learn more about this innovative approach to housing stability and how it helps families build generational stability. We also hear from Charlie Brennan from the Colorado Center for Law & Policy (CCLP) to talk about the Self-Sufficiency Standard. We hope it inspires compassion and empathy towards those struggling to find a place they can truly call home, and highlights the urgent need for solutions that bridge the gap between income levels and housing affordability, creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.If you like it, please leave us a rating and share the episode! We also need funding to finish Season 2. Continue donating here: https://www.coloradogives.org/story/Elevateddenver.

In this episode, we dive into a hidden population of people you would never imagine are unhoused: college students. We talk to Luis, Lena and Frankie, who share their experiences working towards degrees while living in their car, in a motel room with their mom, and in a cramped apartment with several others. Dr. Jamie Rife, from the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative shares data about homelessness in our community, and Abbie Kell, Student Housing Project Manager at Metro State University talks with us about student housing issues. Tune in, share the episode, and give us a rating if you like what you hear.

When you live outside, there is no place to put your trash. It can build up and be an eye sore, but what happens when we remove the people living outside, along with the trash? In 2012, Denver residents voted in the Urban Camping Ban and since that time, the City has been implementing sweeps or encampment "clean ups." In this episode, we explore sweeps--what happens during a sweep and how people feel about them, the public and the unhoused. You will also hear about organizations like Mutual Aid Monday and Headwaters Protectors that are working to support people in encampments with meals, support during sweeps, trash pickup and sanitation support.

We are a quarter of the season in, and we wanted to give you a very brief update on the podcast and our work. We are incorporating a new format, that will allow us to dig deeper into some of the most pressing topics around homelessness, like encampments, hidden populations of the unhoused, and bright spots in the system. We are also bringing you an episode from our friends at City Cast Denver, who recently interviewed Denver's outgoing Mayor, Michael B. Hancock. Tune in to hear his reflections on his 12 years as Mayor, including his policies and decisions regarding homelessness. Learn more about our work at elevateddenver.co and stay tuned!

The Elevated Denver team is bringing you an extra special, time-sensitive episode. In Denver, we are in a runoff Mayoral election, with ballots due on June 6th. We spoke with each candidate -- Kelly Brough and Mike Johnston -- specifically focusing on housing and homelessness in Denver. Our Peer Producer, Myra, who shared her story of homelessness in Season 1, Episode 2, interviewed Kelly & Mike separately and asked them the same set of questions. The questions were deeply informed by our unhoused neighbors and this conversation answers questions about each candidate's values and philosophies about this crisis in our community. For Denver voters, we hope this helps you make an informed decision aligned with your values and priorities. To learn more about our work with Elevated Denver, visit our website: https://elevateddenver.co/. Reach out to get involved: info@elevateddenver.co.

In this episode, Juan Escobedo, mental health specialist and Program Officer for the Caring for Denver Foundation, brings his deep knowledge of trauma and educates us on what trauma is, how it can manifest in our bodies and behaviors, and how trauma relates to homelessness. It is a powerful episode you don't want to miss. This episode is brought to you in partnership with Mead & Hunt, a national, full-service architectural and engineering firm that has been serving clients for well over a century. They are committed to shaping the future by putting people first and embracing innovation to meet the evolving needs of their clients, employees and communities.If you like this episode, please give us a rating. That helps others find us and helps us continue to get sponsors and produce more episodes. If you are interested in sponsoring and episode, email us at sponsorship@elevateddenver.co.

In this episode, Walter shares his experience going to prison, becoming a minister, and leaving the criminal justice system homeless and unable to get hired because of his criminal record. Walter was unhoused with the COVID-19 pandemic began, and ended up living in the Coliseum with 800 other men. It was there that the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless found Walter and enrolled him in the Social Impact Bond Program. The SIB Program supported Walter getting the healthcare he needed, and then stable housing. Walter talks about what it will take to help others like him and what it will take to solve homelessness. This episode was sponsored by Warren Village - Transforming Parents’ Lives and Changing Children’s Futures through transitional housing, wraparound services and early childhood education for single families in Denver. Learn more about the Social Impact Bond. Engage and follow along with the rest of our work: elevateddenver.co

This episode brings us David's story. David shares about his challenges growing up, how those caused him to initially become unhoused, and his journey since then. He opens our eyes to what it feels like to be unhoused, what community means, and challenges us to listen to the many voices of the unhoused. This episode is supported by Don and Lynn Burnes, of the Burnes Institute for Poverty Research. Visit us and explore the rest of our work at: elevateddenver.co.

Episode 1 pulls in highlights from Season 1 and gives a preview for what is to come in Season 2. Hear from local experts on homelessness and from neighbors who have experienced homelessness. Learn more about the podcast, this season's sponsors, and the work of Elevated Denver at elevateddenver.co.

Tune in for another season of the Elevated Denver podcast.

In the final episode of the series, we take a look back at what we have heard across episodes, and get a deep look at the City of Denver's plan to address homelessness and housing instability. We examine the economic and social systems that are keeping nearly half of our neighbors unable to meet their needs without some form of assistance and end with hope for how we are going to solve these issues. At Elevated Denver, our hope is to help advance the enduring wellbeing and dignity of all Denverites. We are building the next steps in our work and we would like for you to get involved. Please visit our website to learn more: http://elevateddenver.co/.