"Homeless" is one of the most dehumanizing labels we use—reducing nearly a million unique lives to a single, harmful stereotype. We’re three friends seeking to better understand the housing crisis and its root causes. In this series, we speak with people who have experienced homelessness, along with social workers, mental health professionals, researchers, law enforcement, and everyday community members trying to make sense of a complex issue. Together, we explore the human stories, systemic challenges, and lived realities behind one of the most pressing social issues of our time.
S2 E3 - Progress Over Perfection: Cathy Alderman on the Fight to End Homelessness
In our 15th episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we are joined by Cathy Alderman, Chief Communications and Public Policy Officer at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless.
With over 11 years at CCH, Cathy has been a powerhouse advocate—spearheading education, media relations, and lobbying efforts that have secured historic first-time housing investments across Denver and Colorado. She also serves on the board of directors for both the National Low Income Housing Coalition and All in Denver.
Cathy shares invaluable insights into her journey, the inner workings of the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, and how to navigate the complex world of housing policy. Despite the structural roadblocks along the way, Cathy reminds us why fighting for housing justice and advocating for the underserved is never a futile effort.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation on advocacy, policy, and hope.
27 Jul 2026
S2 E2 - Compassion in Practice: Deb Knaus on Real Obstacles to Safe Shelter and Meeting People Where They're At
In this episode, the team sits down with guest Deb Knaus for an honest, insightful look at the challenges people face seeking shelter and housing in prominent counties of Washington State. Drawing from two years on the front lines and her inspiring journey of returning to school later in life to pursue a bachelor’s degree in behavioral health, Deb breaks down the specific barriers to entry individuals face when trying to access shelter across local counties. Together, they explore what it takes to navigate complex local systems, supporting both shelter seekers and service providers through a trauma-informed, empathy-first approach.
Whether you want a clearer understanding of local housing obstacles or practical insights on caring for your community, this conversation offers a powerful, human-centered perspective.
Notable Organizations and Services: Friends of Youth; Sophia's Way; Hope & Wellness; Safe Parking in Kirkland#UnpackingHomelessness #HomelessOutreach #HousingStability #HarmReduction #RapportBuilding #TheSophiaWay #FriendsOfYouth #SafeParking #HopeAndWellness #EndingHomelessness
1 Jun 2026
S2 E1 - Karen Cowling on Heart-led Strength: Caring for Community Through Mission Arvada
When the number of unsheltered individuals began to rise in her city, Karen Cowling was one of many community members compelled to act. When Arvada Rising, a church nested in the center of Olde Town, decided to open Mission Arvada to help the community, Karen stepped up and has been leading the Mission ever since. In this episode, Karen vulnerably shares her personal story of abuse, healing through God, and the many choices she’s made to follow her heart. Karen’s is an all-in humanitarian and inspires us say Yes when we’re called to help others.
23 Sept 2025
Ep. 12 - Straight Talk, Real Change: Rob Preston on Barrier Breakers and Second Chances
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we talk with Rob Preston, a Tacoma native whose personal journey through addiction, loss, and survival has fueled his mission to uplift others. After spending years navigating systems that often failed his community, Rob worked at Workforce before founding Barrier Breakers in 2020 — an organization focused on helping people access housing, resources, and long-term support.
Rob shares the realities of growing up in Hilltop, the pain of losing friends to the streets, and why true rehabilitation must include housing, stability, and self-sufficiency. Tune in for an honest conversation about systems change, second chances, and breaking
8 Sept 2025
Ep. 11 - Creative Compassion and Cosmic Change: Tiffany Cassidy on Unique Jouneys and Diverse Solutions
Tiffany Cassidy, an astrologer in Denver’s Bluebird District and former security guard on Colfax, shares her unique perspective on homelessness. Blending spiritual insight with street experience, she encourages the public to think abstractly and recognize the purpose in everyone — seen or unseen.
A conversation about energy, empathy, and seeing people beyond their circumstances.
25 Aug 2025
Ep. 10 - Hope Beyond Homelessness: Sylvester Bush's Testament of Faith and Never Giving Up
In this inspiring episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we are graced by Sylvester T. Bush, Jr., a resilient and compassionate man who brings lived experience to the conversation about individuals experiencing homelessness and what it takes to break the cycle.
Sylvester shares his journey—not as a story of homelessness, but as a story of faith, endurance, and purpose. His voice offers insight into the realities many face, and the power of community and hope in building a better future.
11 Aug 2025
Ep. 9 - The Bigger Picture: Louis Harris on DEI, Public Policy, and the Complexities of Homelessness
Homelessness isn’t just about not having a roof over your head—it’s shaped by a mix of economic, emotional, and societal factors. In this episode, we chat with Louis Harris about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) connect to housing, and why public policy is such a big piece of the puzzle.
Louis shares stories and insights that help people see homelessness from a new perspective—one that looks beyond stereotypes and focuses on the real, often hidden, challenges people face. We talk about how communities can work together, why systemic barriers matter, and how compassion and policy can create lasting change.
28 Jul 2025
Ep. 8 - The Right to Belong: Clarice Ambler on Libraries, Unhoused Youth and the Human-Animal Connection
In Episode 8 of Unpacking Homelessness, we speak with Clarice Ambler, the Community Resource Coordinator for Jefferson County Public Libraries (JCPL). Clarice shares how libraries are stepping beyond books to become essential hubs of support for vulnerable communities, including those experiencing homelessness.
Clarice gives us an inside look at her multifaceted role — from leading trauma-informed customer service trainings and managing programming budgets, to building partnerships with organizations like Jefferson Center for Mental Health, Hunger Free Colorado, and Benefits in Action. She also discusses her work organizing community-centered events like Edgewater’s Pride Parade and her outreach to the BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, immigrant, and unhoused communities.
Join us as we explore how Clarice and JCPL are redefining what it means to serve the public — not just as a library, but as a compassionate connector to critical resources and support.
14 Jul 2025
Ep. 7 - Round Table Episode: Beyond the Bridge Documentary
In this special edition of Unpacking Homelessness, we shift from personal interviews to collectively exploring a cinematic journey toward real solutions. Join us as we discuss Beyond the Bridge: A Solution to Homelessness, the documentary sequel to Under the Bridge (2015), which originally exposed the criminalization of homeless communities under an Indianapolis bridge.
Directed by Don Sawyer and Tim Hashko, Beyond the Bridge embarks on a nationwide mission—traveling over 40,000 miles through 12 U.S. cities—to uncover tested models of ending chronic homelessness. Highlighting places like Houston and Milwaukee, the film explores how deeply coordinated systems and Housing First approaches have led to measurable success—such as Houston housing over 30,000 people and Milwaukee achieving one of the lowest unsheltered rates in the nation.
For more information about this incredible film, visit asolutiontohomelessness.com
30 Jun 2025
Ep. 6 - Serving with Compassion: Deputy Steven Johnson's Perspective on Homelessness and Humanity
Deputy Steve Johnson shares his experiences navigating the complexities of homelessness as a law enforcement officer, balancing public safety with compassion and offering support to a vulnerable population in this interview.
16 Jun 2025
Ep. 5 - It's Complicated: Letha Fernandez on Systemic Failures and the People Working to Bridge Them
Letha Fernandez, a mental health professional, examines the systemic failures impacting unhoused individuals and highlights the compassionate efforts of those striving for lasting change in this interview episode.
2 Jun 2025
Ep 4. - The Courage to Care: Rachelle Warby on Showing Up for Your Community (Even When It's Scary)
Advocate Rachelle Warby discusses how individuals can contribute to addressing homelessness through simple actions and resource donation, emphasizing the significant impact of compassion in this interview.
19 May 2025
Ep.3 - Margie Thirlby Dubois
Episode 3: Leading with Purpose – A Conversation with Margie Thirlby Dubois
In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we sit down with Margie Thirlby Dubois—confidence coach, leadership consultant, and founder of The Thirlby Company—for an inspiring conversation on purpose-driven leadership and its vital connection to homelessness, community building, and nonprofit work.
With a rich background as Executive Director at Rebuilding Together and Reading Partners, Margie shares lessons learned from years of revitalizing neighborhoods and empowering communities. She offers powerful insight into what it takes to lead with heart, develop people, and drive lasting change from the inside out.
Follow the show for bi-weekly episodes that challenge assumptions and elevate voices behind the movement to end homelessness.
5 May 2025
Ep. 2 - Charlie Murphy
Launch day is here! We're excited to kick off bi-weekly episodes of Unpacking Homelessness with a powerful conversation featuring Charlie Murphy. In this episode, Charlie bravely shares memories from her childhood, when she and her siblings experienced homelessness alongside their single mother. Revisiting trauma is never easy, and we’re deeply grateful for Charlie’s honesty and vulnerability. Together, we explore how she broke free from cycles of instability and built a loving, grounded life—raising a beautiful family and radiating the compassion and resilience she carries today.
Charlie Murphy is currently in the process of writing her first book and establishing her Sound Healing and Retreat business where she brings together the community with an emphasis on sliding scale and affordability.
12 Jan 2025
Ep. 1 - Unpacking Our Why
In the inaugural episode of Unpacking Homelessness, hosts Karcy Lawson, Samantha Holbrook, and Derek Lemmon delve into the heart of why this podcast exists. They share personal stories, reflect on the challenges surrounding homelessness, and discuss their mission to educate, inspire, and empower listeners to make a difference. Tune in to learn what drives their passion and what they hope to achieve through this important conversation.
Who has been a guest on Unpacking Homelessness
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Deputy Steve Johnson
Letha Fernandez
Rachelle Warby
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 12 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
10
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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