Podcast Summary: "No One is Coming to Save Us" - Episode: Fighting Family Homelessness

Released September 5, 2024 | Host: Gloria Rivera | Produced by Lemonada Media

Introduction: The Rising Tide of Family Homelessness

In this gripping episode of No One is Coming to Save Us, host Gloria Rivera delves deep into the escalating crisis of family homelessness in America. With over 653,000 Americans experiencing homelessness last year—a 12% increase—the podcast sheds light on the multifaceted challenges that families, especially those with young children, face in securing stable housing and accessing essential services.

Understanding the Crisis: An Interview with Kate Berand

Kate Berand, President and CEO of Horizons for Homeless Children in Boston, provides a comprehensive overview of the systemic issues fueling family homelessness.

• Economic Drivers: Kate emphasizes the stark economic disparities driving families into homelessness. “Prices have risen dramatically in terms of affordable housing and all, you know, what you pay for bread and butter and everything else. But wages in America for most workers have stayed very largely flat” (05:08).

• Impact of Housing Costs: Boston's status as the third most expensive rental market exacerbates the problem. Kate highlights, “We have a $15 minimum wage, and that's what most families in poverty are living at, and a $45 living wage. So right there, you've got a math problem” (05:08).

• Vulnerability of Families with Children: Families with young children are particularly at risk. Kate explains, “When a parent has a child, it introduces a whole set of expenses that they may not have really been prepared for... it's extremely expensive” (06:22).

• Systemic Blame: She passionately argues against blaming the poor for their circumstances, stating, “We keep blaming the poor for being poor. And it is not their fault. It is the fault of systemic issues that we have” (08:09).

Horizons' Solutions:

Kate outlines the innovative approach of Horizons for Homeless Children, which provides quality childcare and education to over 230 unhoused children in Boston. Their state-of-the-art childcare center, established in 2021, serves as a beacon of hope by offering:

• Comprehensive Services: Including a medical clinic, English classes, job placement assistance, and more—all under one roof to minimize the burden on families (11:07).

• Parental Support: Each child’s parent receives personalized coaching to achieve economic sustainability and emotional stability (09:46).

A Personal Journey: Caitlin Liversidge’s Story

The episode transitions to a poignant personal narrative of Caitlin Liversidge, a new mother from San Francisco who experienced homelessness during her pregnancy.

Caitlin’s Struggles:

• Downfall Due to Personal Challenges: Caitlin recounts her descent into homelessness, exacerbated by relationship turmoil and a severe accident. “I couldn't keep my head above water... I didn't have health insurance” (16:32).

• Unexpected Pregnancy: Discovering her pregnancy amid this turmoil added another layer of complexity. “I felt nauseous around certain smells... and I had to tell the guy I was seeing” (17:03).

• Eviction and Desperation: Faced with eviction and mounting rent arrears, Caitlin found herself without support, leading her to the streets. “[...] landlords banging on the door because he was five months behind in the rent” (17:58).

Finding Help Through Jelani House:

Caitlin's turning point came when she connected with Jelani House, a transitional housing program run by the Homeless Prenatal Program in San Francisco.

• Accessing Resources: After a serendipitous encounter with a compassionate public health worker, Caitlin received crucial assistance. “[...] she offered to pay for my Uber and gave me her number” (20:19).

• Arrival at Jelani House: Stepping into Jelani House was transformative. Caitlin describes the facility as “super clean... really big, open spaces... a really nice welcoming space” (23:11).

• Comprehensive Support: Jelani House provides a safe haven for pregnant individuals, offering prenatal care, parenting classes, and assistance in securing permanent housing.

Emotional and Practical Transformation:

• Sense of Relief and Safety: Upon entering Jelani House, Caitlin experienced profound relief and emotional healing. “I cried like I hadn't cried in a long time... it's going to be okay” (24:26).

• Hope for the Future: With the support received, Caitlin is optimistic about securing permanent housing and rebuilding her life. “Last month I actually got my voucher and my subsidy for housing... we'll have our own apartment” (26:26).

• Purpose and Resilience: Caitlin reflects on the newfound purpose her child, Lola, brings to her life. “She saved me... I just try to... make sure she's okay” (28:17).

Building a Nationwide Safety Net

Gloria Rivera underscores the necessity of expanding successful programs like Horizons for Homeless Children and Jelani House across the nation. These initiatives demonstrate that comprehensive, compassionate support systems can transform lives. The episode concludes with a powerful call to action:

“If there's a glimmer of hope here, it's that we do know how to solve the problem, or at least make it a lot easier for people going through it. We just need to take programs that work like the two we've talked about today and expand them until they reach folks all across the country. Let's make it happen.” (28:46).

Conclusion: A Path Forward

This episode of No One is Coming to Save Us poignantly highlights the intersection of housing insecurity and childcare, illustrating both systemic failures and the impactful work of organizations striving to bridge these gaps. Through Kate Berand’s expert insights and Caitlin Liversidge’s heartfelt story, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and potential solutions to family homelessness in America.

Key Takeaways:

• Systemic Issues Over Individual Blame: Addressing economic disparities, rising housing costs, and stagnant wages is crucial to mitigating family homelessness.

• Holistic Support Systems: Comprehensive programs that offer childcare, education, medical care, and job assistance are vital in supporting unhoused families.

• Personal Stories Illuminate Broader Issues: Caitlin’s journey exemplifies the resilience of individuals and the transformative power of supportive communities.

Call to Action:

Gloria encourages listeners to advocate for expanded support systems, participate in community initiatives, and support organizations making tangible differences in the lives of homeless families.

Notable Quotes:

• “We keep blaming the poor for being poor. And it is not their fault. It is the fault of systemic issues that we have.” — Kate Berand (08:09)

• “When you make a purchase with your card, you automatically earn cash back.” — [Credit Card Advertisement, Skipped]

• “I couldn't keep my head above water... I didn't have health insurance.” — Caitlin Liversidge (16:32)

• “I cried like I hadn't cried in a long time... it's going to be okay.” — Caitlin Liversidge (24:26)

For more episodes and resources, visit Neighborhood Villages and subscribe to No One is Coming to Save Us on your preferred podcast platform.