Ground Up

About Ground Up

Will Work for Change is a podcast series exploring homelessness through personal stories, system insights, and frontline outreach. Shows include: 🟢 The Outsiders – stories from people experiencing homelessness 🔵 State of the Street – interviews with service providers and officials 🟡 Finding Folks – real-time outreach with partners like Colorado Friendship 🟣 Ground Up – monthly radio show weaving voices and themes together Learn more: thecommunityproject.org

Publisher

The Community Project

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jun 2025

Latest episode

21 Jul 2025

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 Jul 2025

   Finding Folks with Liz (Colorado Friendship)(Audio Only)

   Welcome to “Finding Folks” This is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.orgTo find out how you can assist, contact us at info@thecommunityproject.org (www.thecommunityproject.org). The Community Project is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.In today’s interview, Liz shares the inspiring mission of Colorado Friendship, detailing how her team provides weekly hot meals and clothing to unhoused individuals while distributing weekend food bags to local schoolchildren. From Amazon wishlists to hot meals and school partnerships, Liz paints a vivid picture of how Colorado Friendship operates and why empathy, not judgment, drives every decision they make.Key Points:• Meals on the Street serves hundreds each year with hot food and supplies.• Weekend food bags help fight childhood hunger in Longmont schools.• Volunteers have shown up every Sunday for over 27 years.• Judgment-free, compassionate service is central to Colorado Friendship’s mission.• Community partnerships and donations make their work possible.To find out more about Liz’s work, check out www.Coloradofriendship.org Who is Colorado FriendShip? Colorado FriendShip is a 501(c)(3) mobile food and clothing nonprofit based in Longmont, CO, serving Boulder County and surrounding areas (coloradofriendship.org). Its mission is to reduce suffering and improve lives throughout the community by providing food and clothing to those in need.Key ProgramsIncrEdibles Food Program- Sends nutritious, kid-friendly weekend food bags to school children who receive free meals during the week.- In 2024, delivered over 22,100 bags to 650 children across 12 schools.Hot Meals on the Street- Weekly mobile meal service and clothing distribution for unhoused individuals.- Served around 2,775 hot meals in 2024 via a mobile trailer since 1998.Disaster Relief- Originally founded for emergency aid, Colorado FriendShip still responds to disasters statewide.- Past efforts include local disasters and larger national emergencies like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.Volunteer & Community Support- Primarily volunteer-operated — in 2024, volunteers logged over 6,100 hours.- Partners include King Soopers, Amazon Wish List, vehicle donation programs, and local civic groups.2024 Snapshot- Meals/Bags: 2,775 meals; 22,100 food bags- Children served: ~650- Volunteer hours: 6,152- Clothing distributed: Thousands of coats, boots, pajamas, and more- Revenue: ~$230K (donations & grants)- Expenses: ~$280K (primarily for programs)- Careful budgeting to meet growing demand and rising costs Why It MattersColorado FriendShip fills critical gaps in food security, emergency relief, and basic necessities—especially for children, unhoused individuals, and communities affected by disaster. Its volunteer-powered, mobile model is responsive and community-centric. _________________________ A special thanks to our outreach sponsors! You make our outreach possible!!!! ArcThriftStores https://arcthrift.com/ Eldorado Natural Spring Water: https://www.eldoradosprings.com/ COLERC: https://www.colerc.org/ Denver lions Club https://www.denverlions.org/ Conscious Alliance: https://consciousalliance.org/ Sock it to’em: https://donatesocks.org/ Superteam Foods: https://superteamfoods.com/ Remember, it’s better together! #StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries #Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness #DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado #SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

2. 

   21 Jul 2025

   Finding Folks with Liz (Colorado Friendship)

   Welcome to “Finding Folks” This is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.orgTo find out how you can assist, contact us at info@thecommunityproject.org (www.thecommunityproject.org). The Community Project is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.In today’s interview, Liz shares the inspiring mission of Colorado Friendship, detailing how her team provides weekly hot meals and clothing to unhoused individuals while distributing weekend food bags to local schoolchildren. From Amazon wishlists to hot meals and school partnerships, Liz paints a vivid picture of how Colorado Friendship operates and why empathy, not judgment, drives every decision they make.Key Points:• Meals on the Street serves hundreds each year with hot food and supplies.• Weekend food bags help fight childhood hunger in Longmont schools.• Volunteers have shown up every Sunday for over 27 years.• Judgment-free, compassionate service is central to Colorado Friendship’s mission.• Community partnerships and donations make their work possible.To find out more about Liz’s work, check out www.Coloradofriendship.orgWho is Colorado FriendShip?Colorado FriendShip is a 501(c)(3) mobile food and clothing nonprofit based in Longmont, CO, serving Boulder County and surrounding areas (coloradofriendship.org). Its mission is to reduce suffering and improve lives throughout the community by providing food and clothing to those in need.Key ProgramsIncrEdibles Food Program- Sends nutritious, kid-friendly weekend food bags to school children who receive free meals during the week.- In 2024, delivered over 22,100 bags to 650 children across 12 schools.Hot Meals on the Street- Weekly mobile meal service and clothing distribution for unhoused individuals.- Served around 2,775 hot meals in 2024 via a mobile trailer since 1998.Disaster Relief- Originally founded for emergency aid, Colorado FriendShip still responds to disasters statewide.- Past efforts include local disasters and larger national emergencies like Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy.Volunteer & Community Support- Primarily volunteer-operated — in 2024, volunteers logged over 6,100 hours.- Partners include King Soopers, Amazon Wish List, vehicle donation programs, and local civic groups.2024 Snapshot- Meals/Bags: 2,775 meals; 22,100 food bags- Children served: ~650- Volunteer hours: 6,152- Clothing distributed: Thousands of coats, boots, pajamas, and more- Revenue: ~$230K (donations & grants)- Expenses: ~$280K (primarily for programs)- Careful budgeting to meet growing demand and rising costsWhy It MattersColorado FriendShip fills critical gaps in food security, emergency relief, and basic necessities—especially for children, unhoused individuals, and communities affected by disaster. Its volunteer-powered, mobile model is responsive and community-centric._________________________A special thanks to our outreach sponsors! You make our outreach possible!!!!ArcThriftStores https://arcthrift.com/Eldorado Natural Spring Water: https://www.eldoradosprings.com/COLERC: https://www.colerc.org/Denver lions Club https://www.denverlions.org/Conscious Alliance: https://consciousalliance.org/Sock it to’em: https://donatesocks.org/Superteam Foods: https://superteamfoods.com/Remember, it’s better together!#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries #Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness #DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado #SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

3. 

   9 Jul 2025

   State of the Street: Harold

   “People don’t need a handout, they need a hand up”-HaroldIn this interview, Harold shares his journey through the Recovery Café and his involvement in the State Opioid Response program, highlighting how peer support transforms recovery outcomes.Harold gives a passionate breakdown of how wraparound services, community, and human connection create meaningful change for people struggling with homelessness and addiction. With honesty and heart, Harold reflects on his own recovery path and explains why trauma-informed care, lived experience, and second chances matter so much. Harold talks about what it means to walk alongside others in their journey, emphasizing recovery, dignity, and the need for systemic change in behavioral health services.Add the key points• Harold works with Recovery Café and the State Opioid Response initiative.• Peer support is central to recovery.• Behavioral health services often overlook key barriers for unhoused populations.• Harold speaks to the importance of trauma-informed care.• Recovery is deeply human and rooted in connection and respect.“Welcome to “State of the Street” This is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at” http://www.thecommunityproject.org“To find out how you can assist, contact us at info@thecommunityproject.org (www.thecommunityproject.org). The Community Project is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.”Remember folks, it’s better together!#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries #Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness #DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado #SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

4. 

   9 Jul 2025

   State of the Street: Boulder County Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response

   Hey Gang, in today's episode we sit down with Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from Boulder County’s Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response. Recorded on May 20, 2025, this candid conversation explores Boulder’s efforts to address homelessness, improve coordinated entry, and support housing-first initiatives.📌 Topics Covered: • Coordinated entry system • Emergency shelter programs • Permanent supportive housing • Community partnerships • Challenges and future strategiesWhether you’re a policymaker, advocate, service provider, or concerned resident, this discussion provides insight into what’s working—and what still needs to change.🔗 Learn more at: https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/homelessIf you’re inspired to take action or want to stay connected with our work, we invite you to visit thecommunityproject.org. There, you can learn how to support local initiatives, volunteer, or follow us across social media as we work toward meaningful change—one community at a time. It's better together!To learn more or support the mission, visit http://www.thecommunityproject.org 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more community-centered contentHashtags:#Homelessness #BoulderCounty #HousingFirst #PublicPolicy #SocialServices #CommunitySupport #AffordableHousing #EndingHomelessness #NonprofitLeadership #HumanRights

5. 

   9 Jul 2025

   State of the Street: Boulder County Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response (audio only)

   Hey Gang, in today's episode we sit down with Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from Boulder County’s Division of Homeless Systems and Coordinated Response. Recorded on May 20, 2025, this candid conversation explores Boulder’s efforts to address homelessness, improve coordinated entry, and support housing-first initiatives.📌 Topics Covered: • Coordinated entry system • Emergency shelter programs • Permanent supportive housing • Community partnerships • Challenges and future strategiesWhether you’re a policymaker, advocate, service provider, or concerned resident, this discussion provides insight into what’s working—and what still needs to change.🔗 Learn more at: https://bouldercounty.gov/departments/community-services/homelessIf you’re inspired to take action or want to stay connected with our work, we invite you to visit thecommunityproject.org. There, you can learn how to support local initiatives, volunteer, or follow us across social media as we work toward meaningful change—one community at a time. It's better together!To learn more or support the mission, visit http://www.thecommunityproject.org 👍 Like | 💬 Comment | 🔔 Subscribe for more community-centered contentHashtags:#Homelessness #BoulderCounty #HousingFirst #PublicPolicy #SocialServices #CommunitySupport #AffordableHousing #EndingHomelessness #NonprofitLeadership #HumanRights

6. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Outsiders: Christine on Surviving the Streets and Serving the Community (audio only)

   Hey Gang,In this episode of Outsiders, I sit down with Christine, a vibrant and insightful community member who has experienced homelessness across multiple states. From Austin to Boulder, Christine shares powerful stories of survival, healing, and service.Recorded at Central Park, Boulder – May 2025In this episode, Christine shares: • Her first experience becoming unhoused in 2013 and the trauma that followed • Why she sometimes chose the street over housing for safety • How trauma, mental health, and addiction are deeply intertwined • Her work offering free community acupressure detox therapy • The urgent need for showers, laundry access, and safe spaces in Boulder • A call to action for volunteers, local healers, and neighbors to come together • The power of hope and human dignityChristine’s words remind us: “If we all got together as equals, we could help our community in the most divine way.” For policymakers, advocates, and fellow residents, this is a conversation about resilience, inequity, and the practical ways we can do better—together.Learn more or get involved: http://www.thecommunityproject.orgLike, Comment, and Subscribe to help share these voices.#Homelessness #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #BoulderColorado #OutsidersSeries #TheCommunityProject #Acudetox #CommunityCare #UnhousedVoices #HousingFirst #DignityForAll

7. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Outsiders: Christine on Surviving the Streets and Serving the Community

   Hey Gang,In this episode of Outsiders, I sit down with Christine, a vibrant and insightful community member who has experienced homelessness across multiple states. From Austin to Boulder, Christine shares powerful stories of survival, healing, and service.Recorded at Central Park, Boulder – May 2025In this episode, Christine shares: • Her first experience becoming unhoused in 2013 and the trauma that followed • Why she sometimes chose the street over housing for safety • How trauma, mental health, and addiction are deeply intertwined • Her work offering free community acupressure detox therapy • The urgent need for showers, laundry access, and safe spaces in Boulder • A call to action for volunteers, local healers, and neighbors to come together • The power of hope and human dignityChristine’s words remind us: “If we all got together as equals, we could help our community in the most divine way.” For policymakers, advocates, and fellow residents, this is a conversation about resilience, inequity, and the practical ways we can do better—together.Learn more or get involved: http://www.thecommunityproject.orgLike, Comment, and Subscribe to help share these voices.#Homelessness #MentalHealthAwareness #AddictionRecovery #BoulderColorado #OutsidersSeries #TheCommunityProject #Acudetox #CommunityCare #UnhousedVoices #HousingFirst #DignityForAll

8. 

   9 Jul 2025

   State of the Street: Victor (audio only)

   "Trauma is what brought these folks to these situations." – VicVic shares his raw and powerful story of homelessness and addiction, highlighting how trauma, poverty, and systemic failure converge to keep people stuck. His experience shows the power of recovery, peer support, and second chances. Vic dives into his past and his transformation into a support leader. He speaks openly about the deep emotional wounds behind substance use, and the role of real, trained peer support in breaking the cycle. From trauma to training others in recovery, Vic offers more than a personal story—he delivers insight into why systems fail, what’s missing, and how hope and peer connection are the most vital tools for change.• Homelessness and addiction are symptoms of deeper trauma• The system often punishes poverty instead of addressing root causes• Peer support roles need proper training and structure to be effective• Limited services mean only the most vulnerable get help—others are left waiting• True change happens when community members stay curious and act with compassion“State of the Street” is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at http://www.thecommunityproject.orgTo find out how you can assist, contact us at info@thecommunityproject.org (www.thecommunityproject.org). The Community Project is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.Remember, it’s better together!#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries #Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness #DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado #SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

9. 

   9 Jul 2025

   State of the Street: Harold (audio only)

   “People don’t need a handout, they need a hand up”-HaroldIn this interview, Harold shares his journey through the Recovery Café and his involvement in the State Opioid Response program, highlighting how peer support transforms recovery outcomes.Harold gives a passionate breakdown of how wraparound services, community, and human connection create meaningful change for people struggling with homelessness and addiction. With honesty and heart, Harold reflects on his own recovery path and explains why trauma-informed care, lived experience, and second chances matter so much. Harold talks about what it means to walk alongside others in their journey, emphasizing recovery, dignity, and the need for systemic change in behavioral health services.Add the key points• Harold works with Recovery Café and the State Opioid Response initiative.• Peer support is central to recovery.• Behavioral health services often overlook key barriers for unhoused populations.• Harold speaks to the importance of trauma-informed care.• Recovery is deeply human and rooted in connection and respect.“Welcome to “State of the Street” This is part of The Community Project: Will Work for Change campaign — a multimedia storytelling effort amplifying the voices of those experiencing homelessness in Boulder County. If you’d like to find out how to help or connect with us and our social media check out our webpage at” http://www.thecommunityproject.org“To find out how you can assist, contact us at info@thecommunityproject.org (www.thecommunityproject.org). The Community Project is a Colorado-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit.”Remember folks, it’s better together!#StreetWisdom #MentalHealth #UnhousedVoices #OutsidersSeries #Colorado #Homelessness #TheCommunityProject #HousingCrisis #EndHomelessness #DataMatters #PolicyChange #ColoradoHousing #Unhoused #HomelessInColorado #SocialJustice #HousingIsAHumanRight #Equity

10. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Outsiders: Interview with Kerby and Beth: Life on the Streets– May 3, 2025 (audio only)

    Hey Gang, on today's episode Kerby and Beth share their powerful story about life without stable housing in Boulder, Colorado. They talk about survival, safety, community, and hope. Despite facing immense hardship, they mentor others, advocate for practical solutions, and strive to uplift the people around them.📌 This is part of The Community Project’s ongoing conversations with folks experiencing homelessness and those working on the front lines of change.To learn more or support the mission, visit http://www.thecommunityproject.org#homelessness #bouldercolorado #housingcrisis #kerbyandbeth #streetlife #communityproject #survivorstories #housingfirst #povertyawareness #compassioninaction #thecommunityproject

11. 

    9 Jul 2025

    Outsiders: Interview with Kerby and Beth: Life on the Streets– May 3, 2025

    Hey Gang, on today's episode Kerby and Beth share their powerful story about life without stable housing in Boulder, Colorado. They talk about survival, safety, community, and hope. Despite facing immense hardship, they mentor others, advocate for practical solutions, and strive to uplift the people around them.📌 This is part of The Community Project’s ongoing conversations with folks experiencing homelessness and those working on the front lines of change.To learn more or support the mission, visit http://www.thecommunityproject.org#homelessness #bouldercolorado #housingcrisis #kerbyandbeth #streetlife #communityproject #survivorstories #housingfirst #povertyawareness #compassioninaction #thecommunityproject

12. 

    8 Jul 2025

    State of the Street: Victor King

    Victor King shares his powerful story of homelessness and addiction, revealing how trauma and systemic failures trap people, while emphasizing the importance of recovery and peer support; this is an interview.

13. 

    7 Jul 2025

    Ground Up Ep 2: Vic and Harold

    Harold and Vic share frontline experiences in addiction recovery and unsheltered life, exposing service gaps and emphasizing the crucial role of peer support, in this interview.

14. 

    7 Jul 2025

    Ground Up Ep 2: Vic and Harold (Audio Only)

    Harold and Vic share frontline experiences with addiction recovery and unsheltered life, exposing service gaps and highlighting the crucial role of peer support in this interview.

15. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Ground Up Ep 1 (audio only)

    Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from Boulder County Housing Department discuss the homeless situation in Boulder County with Kerby and Beth, who are currently experiencing homelessness, in an interview.

16. 

    2 Jun 2025

    Ground Up EP 1

    Heidi Grove and Trevor Baringer from the Boulder County Housing Department discuss the homeless situation in Boulder County with Kerby and Beth, who are currently experiencing homelessness, in this interview episode.

Who has been a guest on Ground Up

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Victor King
• Harold
• Vic
• Kerby
• Beth

Podcast Authority Score: 37 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

73

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Ground Up

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.