The Elevated Denver Podcast

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.

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. We 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.

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. 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.

In this episode, 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. The episode concludes with a glimpse into the DBIP’s ongoing research and future plans.

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.

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 also bring hope through our discussion of programs that are making a difference, like Elevation Community Land Trust (ECLT), which aims to provide permanent affordable homeownership opportunities. It inspires compassion 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.

In Episode 7 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.

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.

The Elevated Denver team is bringing you an extra special, time-sensitive, bonus 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. 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. Read the full transcript here.

In Episode 5, 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.

In Episode 3, Walter shares his experience going to prison, becoming a minister, and leaving the criminal justice system homeless and unable to get a job because of his criminal record. Walter was unhoused when 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.

Episode 2 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 how the support he received helped him to seek understanding within himself. He challenges us to listen to the many voices of the unhoused.

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.

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 highlight innovative strategies  and extend a call to action 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.