https://simplecast.com They Are Us They Are Us: Breaking Through Stigma explores the root causes of homelessness and substance use, featuring personal stories from those in recovery alongside insights from local and national experts. Hosted by Juliana Lukasik, Central City Concern Public Affairs Director, this podcast challenges misconceptions, instills hope, and explores proven solutions in housing, health care, and employment to break the stigma. Produced by Central City Concern, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon. 2025 en Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:32:01 +0000 Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:32:12 +0000 https://they-are-us.simplecast.com They Are Us https://image.simplecastcdn.com/images/e51f8497-93e5-4cb4-881a-c8c9ac6c2476/0661456d-d64c-4a4a-8fca-b60df0922a49/3000x3000/podcast-20album-20art-20-20final.jpg?aid=rss_feed https://they-are-us.simplecast.com episodic They Are Us: Breaking Through Stigma explores the root causes of homelessness and substance use, featuring personal stories from those in recovery alongside insights from local and national experts. Hosted by Juliana Lukasik, Central City Concern Public Affairs Director, this podcast challenges misconceptions, instills hope, and explores proven solutions in housing, health care, and employment to break the stigma. Produced by Central City Concern, a nonprofit based in Portland, Oregon. Central City Concern false https://feeds.simplecast.com/denD5uew homelessness, portland Central City Concern podcast@ccconcern.org 553671cc-fdaa-4c8b-bc37-791d13b011e1 Episode 10 - Why This Work Matters Takeaways

  • If someone is seeking help, they should be able to access it.
  • There is a mismatch between the supply and demand of services.
  • Supportive housing is crucial for successful recovery.
  • Attracting behavioral health workers requires better incentives.
  • Second-chance employers play a vital role in recovery.
  • P2P methamphetamine is a growing concern in substance use.
  • Community accountability is essential for effective resource allocation.
  • Hope comes from witnessing recovery journeys.
  • Alignment between city, county, and state can lead to better outcomes.
  • Stories of resilience are invaluable in the recovery process.
]]> Tue, 13 Jan 2026 23:32:01 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-10-why-this-work-matters-OzZDk6kC Takeaways

  • If someone is seeking help, they should be able to access it.
  • There is a mismatch between the supply and demand of services.
  • Supportive housing is crucial for successful recovery.
  • Attracting behavioral health workers requires better incentives.
  • Second-chance employers play a vital role in recovery.
  • P2P methamphetamine is a growing concern in substance use.
  • Community accountability is essential for effective resource allocation.
  • Hope comes from witnessing recovery journeys.
  • Alignment between city, county, and state can lead to better outcomes.
  • Stories of resilience are invaluable in the recovery process.
]]> Episode 10 - Why This Work Matters Central City Concern 00:16:09 In this final episode of the season, They Are Us turns the conversation back to our listeners. Host Juliana is joined by CCC President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall to respond to questions about recovery, behavioral health, housing, and the challenges facing our community. Together, they explore why access to care matters, the role of supportive housing and second-chance employers, the changing substance use landscape, and what accountability and alignment can look like across systems. The episode closes with a reflection on hope — drawn from the resilience of people in recovery and the communities that support them. In this final episode of the season, They Are Us turns the conversation back to our listeners. Host Juliana is joined by CCC President and CEO Dr. Andy Mendenhall to respond to questions about recovery, behavioral health, housing, and the challenges facing our community. Together, they explore why access to care matters, the role of supportive housing and second-chance employers, the changing substance use landscape, and what accountability and alignment can look like across systems. The episode closes with a reflection on hope — drawn from the resilience of people in recovery and the communities that support them. resilience, substance use trends, behavioral health, supportive housing, second-chance employment, recovery, homelessness, community investment, hope, healthcare false full 10 7ea8e03f-ef38-43c3-b115-ca4a7e1f670d Episode 9 - A Space for Second Chances Takeaways

  • Shawn Fox spent over 26 years in prison.
  • He found purpose in leatherworking after incarceration.
  • Gifting handmade crafts helped Shawn connect with others.
  • Hope is essential for recovery and transformation.
  • Recovery is not linear; relapses can happen.
  • Community support is vital for those in recovery.
  • Brandon Morlock founded Past Lives to support formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • Past Lives Makerspace offers a space for creativity and learning trades.
  • No one is irredeemable; everyone deserves a second chance.
  • Art therapy can be a powerful tool for healing.
]]> Tue, 9 Dec 2025 20:06:59 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-9-a-space-for-second-chances-f5wgD35N Takeaways

  • Shawn Fox spent over 26 years in prison.
  • He found purpose in leatherworking after incarceration.
  • Gifting handmade crafts helped Shawn connect with others.
  • Hope is essential for recovery and transformation.
  • Recovery is not linear; relapses can happen.
  • Community support is vital for those in recovery.
  • Brandon Morlock founded Past Lives to support formerly incarcerated individuals.
  • Past Lives Makerspace offers a space for creativity and learning trades.
  • No one is irredeemable; everyone deserves a second chance.
  • Art therapy can be a powerful tool for healing.
]]> Episode 9 - A Space for Second Chances Central City Concern 00:22:30 In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana sits down with two people reshaping what life after prison can look like. Shawn Fox spent 26 years incarcerated, discovering leatherworking as a lifeline and a way to connect with others. After his release, he found new purpose through Past Lives Makerspace — a creative community founded by guest Brandon Morlock to support formerly incarcerated artists and tradespeople. Together, they explore the realities of recovery, the challenges of re-entry, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. Their stories remind us that creativity, community, and a second chance can transform a life from the inside out. In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana sits down with two people reshaping what life after prison can look like. Shawn Fox spent 26 years incarcerated, discovering leatherworking as a lifeline and a way to connect with others. After his release, he found new purpose through Past Lives Makerspace — a creative community founded by guest Brandon Morlock to support formerly incarcerated artists and tradespeople. Together, they explore the realities of recovery, the challenges of re-entry, and the belief that no one is beyond redemption. Their stories remind us that creativity, community, and a second chance can transform a life from the inside out. resilience, past lives, shawn fox, community, recovery, skilled trades, creativity, incarceration, redemption, brandon morlock false full 9 7eb90f01-6799-43d0-bf5a-10e8757e655f Episode 8 - A Place at the Table Takeaways

  • Blanchet House has been serving Portland for over 70 years.
  • Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting many individuals.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits is essential for effective service delivery.
  • Residents at Blanchet House are required to contribute to their recovery.
  • The program provides a structured environment for individuals to regain stability.
  • Blanchet House operates entirely on private donations, with no government funding.
  • Immediate assistance, like providing meals, is crucial for those in need.
  • Personal stories highlight the impact of community support on recovery.
  • The Clean Start program helps individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
  • Hope and transformation are possible through dedicated support and services.
]]> Wed, 12 Nov 2025 22:53:52 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-8-a-place-at-the-table-e2vXxRNU Takeaways

  • Blanchet House has been serving Portland for over 70 years.
  • Food insecurity is a significant issue affecting many individuals.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits is essential for effective service delivery.
  • Residents at Blanchet House are required to contribute to their recovery.
  • The program provides a structured environment for individuals to regain stability.
  • Blanchet House operates entirely on private donations, with no government funding.
  • Immediate assistance, like providing meals, is crucial for those in need.
  • Personal stories highlight the impact of community support on recovery.
  • The Clean Start program helps individuals reintegrate into the workforce.
  • Hope and transformation are possible through dedicated support and services.
]]> Episode 8 - A Place at the Table Central City Concern 00:20:05 Episode 8, “A Place at the Table,” explores food insecurity, recovery, and the power of collaboration among Portland nonprofits. Host Juliana speaks with Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House and Farm, and David Hassenger, a former resident who now works with CCC’s Clean Start program. Together, they share how meeting people’s most basic needs with dignity—and working together to do so—can create real pathways to stability and lasting recovery. Episode 8, “A Place at the Table,” explores food insecurity, recovery, and the power of collaboration among Portland nonprofits. Host Juliana speaks with Scott Kerman, Executive Director of Blanchet House and Farm, and David Hassenger, a former resident who now works with CCC’s Clean Start program. Together, they share how meeting people’s most basic needs with dignity—and working together to do so—can create real pathways to stability and lasting recovery. nonprofit collaboration, blanchet house, poverty, community support, transformation, social services, food insecurity, recovery, homelessness, central city concern false full 8 646477c8-6265-4c87-8c1d-f38718ce7ac1 Episode 7 - More Than a Paycheck Takeaways

  • Employment is crucial for recovery and stability
  • Access to job training can change lives
  • Peer mentorship plays a vital role in recovery
  • Community organizations collaborate to support individuals
  • Mental health resources are essential for recovery
  • Surrendering to the process is a key step in recovery
  • Building relationships is important in the workforce
  • Hope and resilience are central themes in recovery
  • Louis's journey illustrates the power of support
  • Carla emphasizes the importance of skill development
]]> Mon, 6 Oct 2025 20:02:26 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-7-more-than-a-paycheck-_GDmXnRc Takeaways

  • Employment is crucial for recovery and stability
  • Access to job training can change lives
  • Peer mentorship plays a vital role in recovery
  • Community organizations collaborate to support individuals
  • Mental health resources are essential for recovery
  • Surrendering to the process is a key step in recovery
  • Building relationships is important in the workforce
  • Hope and resilience are central themes in recovery
  • Louis's journey illustrates the power of support
  • Carla emphasizes the importance of skill development
]]> Episode 7 - More Than a Paycheck Central City Concern 00:24:00 Episode 7, More Than a Paycheck, explores the vital role employment plays in recovery and long-term stability. Host Juliana speaks with Carla Kostek from IRCO and Louis Reyes, a former CCC client who now works as an employment specialist. Together, they reflect on the power of mentorship, accessible job training, and community partnerships that help people rebuild their lives. Their conversation highlights not just the value of employment services, but the hope they bring for a stronger, more connected Portland. Episode 7, More Than a Paycheck, explores the vital role employment plays in recovery and long-term stability. Host Juliana speaks with Carla Kostek from IRCO and Louis Reyes, a former CCC client who now works as an employment specialist. Together, they reflect on the power of mentorship, accessible job training, and community partnerships that help people rebuild their lives. Their conversation highlights not just the value of employment services, but the hope they bring for a stronger, more connected Portland. resilience, addiction, community support, irco, job training, recovery, peer mentorship, mental health, central city concern, employment false full 7 4b6e80bd-5c19-4285-ac48-33d4b9eed541 Episode 6 - More Than Clean Streets Takeaways

  • Clean Start provides meaningful employment for those in recovery.
  • Community policing fosters trust between law enforcement and residents.
  • The Clean and Safe program addresses public safety and cleanliness in Portland.
  • Personal stories of recovery highlight the importance of support systems.
  • Engagement with the homeless community is crucial for effective outreach.
  • Statistics show the significant impact of Clean and Safe's work.
  • Building relationships can change perceptions of law enforcement.
  • Hope and recovery are possible through community support.
  • The challenges of addiction are compounded by homelessness.
  • Advocacy for effective programs is essential for community improvement.
]]> Mon, 8 Sep 2025 20:02:09 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-6-more-than-clean-streets-6KCZy9sx Takeaways

  • Clean Start provides meaningful employment for those in recovery.
  • Community policing fosters trust between law enforcement and residents.
  • The Clean and Safe program addresses public safety and cleanliness in Portland.
  • Personal stories of recovery highlight the importance of support systems.
  • Engagement with the homeless community is crucial for effective outreach.
  • Statistics show the significant impact of Clean and Safe's work.
  • Building relationships can change perceptions of law enforcement.
  • Hope and recovery are possible through community support.
  • The challenges of addiction are compounded by homelessness.
  • Advocacy for effective programs is essential for community improvement.
]]> Episode 6 - More Than Clean Streets Central City Concern 00:29:18 Episode 6, “More Than Clean Streets,” highlights the partnership between Downtown Portland Clean and Safe and CCC's Clean Start program, focusing on community resilience, recovery from addiction, and the importance of public safety. Mark Wells, executive director of Clean and Safe, discusses the organization's role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in Portland while supporting individuals in recovery. Mike Forney, a Clean Start team member, shares his personal journey from homelessness to recovery, emphasizing the power of community support and the impact of the Clean Start program. Episode 6, “More Than Clean Streets,” highlights the partnership between Downtown Portland Clean and Safe and CCC's Clean Start program, focusing on community resilience, recovery from addiction, and the importance of public safety. Mark Wells, executive director of Clean and Safe, discusses the organization's role in maintaining a clean and safe environment in Portland while supporting individuals in recovery. Mike Forney, a Clean Start team member, shares his personal journey from homelessness to recovery, emphasizing the power of community support and the impact of the Clean Start program. resilience, clean start, addiction, community policing, public safety, recovery, homelessness, support, portland, central city concern false full 6 b1a1b5b4-5507-4537-9da8-84f0809b55ee Episode 5 - A Place for Us Takeaways

  • The Letty Owings Center provides a safe space for mothers in recovery.
  • Women often arrive with minimal belongings and in need of immediate care.
  • The program includes individual and group therapy, skill-building, and parenting groups.
  • Residential treatment offers a structured environment for recovery.
  • Many women face significant challenges, including past trauma and addiction.
  • Support from staff and peers is crucial for success in recovery.
  • Stigma and guilt can hinder recovery, especially for mothers.
  • The program works closely with child welfare services to support families.
  • Success stories highlight the transformative power of the program.
  • Time is a critical factor in the recovery process.
]]> Fri, 8 Aug 2025 00:12:11 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-5-a-place-for-us-U1BKrcgW Takeaways

  • The Letty Owings Center provides a safe space for mothers in recovery.
  • Women often arrive with minimal belongings and in need of immediate care.
  • The program includes individual and group therapy, skill-building, and parenting groups.
  • Residential treatment offers a structured environment for recovery.
  • Many women face significant challenges, including past trauma and addiction.
  • Support from staff and peers is crucial for success in recovery.
  • Stigma and guilt can hinder recovery, especially for mothers.
  • The program works closely with child welfare services to support families.
  • Success stories highlight the transformative power of the program.
  • Time is a critical factor in the recovery process.
]]> Episode 5 - A Place for Us Central City Concern 00:27:01 This episode of 'They Are Us' focuses on the Letty Owings Center, a residential treatment program for women who are pregnant or have young children. The conversation highlights the challenges these women face, the structure of the program, and personal stories of transformation. Tina Bialas, the director, shares insights into the importance of a supportive environment and the impact of stigma and guilt on recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of time in the recovery process and the hope that comes from success stories. This episode of 'They Are Us' focuses on the Letty Owings Center, a residential treatment program for women who are pregnant or have young children. The conversation highlights the challenges these women face, the structure of the program, and personal stories of transformation. Tina Bialas, the director, shares insights into the importance of a supportive environment and the impact of stigma and guilt on recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of time in the recovery process and the hope that comes from success stories. trauma-informed care, women in recovery, maternal health, substance use disorder, family support, personal transformation, stigma, addiction recovery, parenting, residential treatment false full 5 a2fbc3dd-68ca-4c31-a6b2-a652c3063413 Episode 4 - It Takes a Village Takeaways

  • Lance Orton shares his journey from addiction to recovery.
  • Max Kinsella discusses his experience with City Team.
  • Community support is crucial for individuals in recovery.
  • Employment plays a vital role in successful recovery.
  • City Team provides comprehensive services for those in need.
  • The importance of lived experience in helping others.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits enhances recovery efforts.
  • Personal stories can inspire hope in others.

 

]]> Mon, 7 Jul 2025 17:18:21 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-4-it-takes-a-village-V2lP6Dzs Takeaways

  • Lance Orton shares his journey from addiction to recovery.
  • Max Kinsella discusses his experience with City Team.
  • Community support is crucial for individuals in recovery.
  • Employment plays a vital role in successful recovery.
  • City Team provides comprehensive services for those in need.
  • The importance of lived experience in helping others.
  • Collaboration among nonprofits enhances recovery efforts.
  • Personal stories can inspire hope in others.

 

]]> Episode 4 - It Takes a Village Central City Concern 00:22:19 In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana speaks with Lance Orton, the executive director of City Team Portland, and Max Kinsella, a former client turned advocate. They share their personal journeys through addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of community support, employment, and the role of nonprofits in helping individuals regain their lives. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the transformative power of helping others. In this episode of They Are Us, host Juliana speaks with Lance Orton, the executive director of City Team Portland, and Max Kinsella, a former client turned advocate. They share their personal journeys through addiction and recovery, highlighting the importance of community support, employment, and the role of nonprofits in helping individuals regain their lives. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the transformative power of helping others. resilience, addiction, nonprofit, community support, social services, recovery, homelessness, city team, portland, employment false full 4 d0020b6d-b6da-47d9-869c-93a8f134fbe2 Episode 3 - Who Are They? Takeaways

  • The journey from restaurant owner to outreach worker can be transformative.
  • Empathy is a crucial skill in outreach work.
  • Building trust with the homeless takes time and patience.
  • Community members can help by simply engaging with those in need.
  • Success stories in outreach demonstrate the impact of consistent support.
  • Collaboration with local organizations enhances outreach efforts.
  • Basic needs like food and shelter are essential for recovery.
  • A plan can instill hope in individuals facing challenges.
  • Everyone has the potential to help in the homelessness crisis.
  • The podcast title 'They Are Us' reflects our shared humanity.
]]> Wed, 4 Jun 2025 22:56:40 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-3-who-are-they-7TRH4WJK Takeaways

  • The journey from restaurant owner to outreach worker can be transformative.
  • Empathy is a crucial skill in outreach work.
  • Building trust with the homeless takes time and patience.
  • Community members can help by simply engaging with those in need.
  • Success stories in outreach demonstrate the impact of consistent support.
  • Collaboration with local organizations enhances outreach efforts.
  • Basic needs like food and shelter are essential for recovery.
  • A plan can instill hope in individuals facing challenges.
  • Everyone has the potential to help in the homelessness crisis.
  • The podcast title 'They Are Us' reflects our shared humanity.
]]> Episode 3 - Who Are They? Central City Concern 00:14:06 In Episode 3, host Juliana speaks with Amalie, a Community Health Outreach Worker at Central City Concern. They discuss Amalie’s journey from restaurant owner to outreach worker. Amalie shares inspiring success stories of homeless individuals she has assisted and emphasizes the importance of empathy and building trust over time. The conversation highlights the significance of community collaboration and the need for basic resources in addressing homelessness. In Episode 3, host Juliana speaks with Amalie, a Community Health Outreach Worker at Central City Concern. They discuss Amalie’s journey from restaurant owner to outreach worker. Amalie shares inspiring success stories of homeless individuals she has assisted and emphasizes the importance of empathy and building trust over time. The conversation highlights the significance of community collaboration and the need for basic resources in addressing homelessness. resilience, community support, empathy, outreach, social services, recovery, homelessness, portland, hope, central city concern false full 3 2bcbc2d9-e69b-455b-8009-af8ddb3d8f9b Episode 2 - Surviving the Supply Takeaways

  • Bryce's journey illustrates the complexity of addiction and recovery.
  • Seeking help is often a critical turning point in recovery.
  • Community support plays a vital role in successful recovery.
  • Innovative treatment methods are essential for addressing modern addiction challenges.
  • Stigma surrounding addiction can hinder individuals from seeking help.
  • Multiple attempts at recovery are common and should be normalized.
  • The importance of having a support system in recovery cannot be overstated.
  • Access to treatment beds is a significant barrier for many individuals.
  • Understanding the evolving drug landscape is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Empathy and connection are key components in treating substance use disorders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Episode 2

01:26 Bryce's Journey Through Addiction

05:05 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

12:09 The Fourth Time's the Charm

15:00 Bryce's New Life and Engagement

17:46 Dr. Amanda Risser on Treatment Innovations

28:36 Closing

]]> Tue, 6 May 2025 16:27:13 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/episode-2-surviving-the-supply-wkuSHpwR Takeaways

  • Bryce's journey illustrates the complexity of addiction and recovery.
  • Seeking help is often a critical turning point in recovery.
  • Community support plays a vital role in successful recovery.
  • Innovative treatment methods are essential for addressing modern addiction challenges.
  • Stigma surrounding addiction can hinder individuals from seeking help.
  • Multiple attempts at recovery are common and should be normalized.
  • The importance of having a support system in recovery cannot be overstated.
  • Access to treatment beds is a significant barrier for many individuals.
  • Understanding the evolving drug landscape is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Empathy and connection are key components in treating substance use disorders.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Episode 2

01:26 Bryce's Journey Through Addiction

05:05 The Turning Point: Seeking Help

12:09 The Fourth Time's the Charm

15:00 Bryce's New Life and Engagement

17:46 Dr. Amanda Risser on Treatment Innovations

28:36 Closing

]]> Episode 2 - Surviving the Supply Central City Concern 00:29:06 In Episode 2, host Juliana speaks with Bryce, who shares his decades-long journey through addiction—from casual use to a devastating cycle that nearly consumed his life. He opens up about what it took to break free and how he’s now using his experience to support others in recovery. Juliana also sits down with Dr. Amanda Risser, Senior Medical Director at Central City Concern’s Hooper Detox Center, to explore the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery. Together, they discuss how medical professionals are adapting their approaches to care in response to an increasingly unpredictable and dangerous street drug supply. In Episode 2, host Juliana speaks with Bryce, who shares his decades-long journey through addiction—from casual use to a devastating cycle that nearly consumed his life. He opens up about what it took to break free and how he’s now using his experience to support others in recovery. Juliana also sits down with Dr. Amanda Risser, Senior Medical Director at Central City Concern’s Hooper Detox Center, to explore the role of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) in recovery. Together, they discuss how medical professionals are adapting their approaches to care in response to an increasingly unpredictable and dangerous street drug supply. innovative treatments, stigma in addiction, resilience, fentanyl, recovery journey, substance use disorder, community support, addiction recovery, mental health, treatment methods false full 2 3b990c16-42f7-492b-9284-536d2df37679 They Are Us - Pilot Takeaways

  • The podcast addresses root causes of homelessness and addiction.
  • Bryant's story illustrates resilience and the power of support.
  • Central City Concern provides comprehensive services for recovery.
  • Employment access is crucial for individuals in recovery.
  • Fentanyl has changed the landscape of addiction in Portland.
  • Community support plays a vital role in recovery journeys.
  • The foster care system is linked to increased risk of homelessness.
  • Statistical challenges exist for those with addiction histories.
  • Affordable housing is a pressing need in urban and rural areas.
  • Mental health support is essential for long-term recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to They Are Us Podcast

01:18 Bryant's Journey from Addiction to Recovery

10:37 Expert Insights on Homelessness and Addiction

]]> Fri, 4 Apr 2025 18:10:49 +0000 podcast@ccconcern.org (Central City Concern) https://they-are-us.simplecast.com/episodes/they-are-us-pilot-P9S71PGd Takeaways

  • The podcast addresses root causes of homelessness and addiction.
  • Bryant's story illustrates resilience and the power of support.
  • Central City Concern provides comprehensive services for recovery.
  • Employment access is crucial for individuals in recovery.
  • Fentanyl has changed the landscape of addiction in Portland.
  • Community support plays a vital role in recovery journeys.
  • The foster care system is linked to increased risk of homelessness.
  • Statistical challenges exist for those with addiction histories.
  • Affordable housing is a pressing need in urban and rural areas.
  • Mental health support is essential for long-term recovery.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to They Are Us Podcast

01:18 Bryant's Journey from Addiction to Recovery

10:37 Expert Insights on Homelessness and Addiction

]]> They Are Us - Pilot Central City Concern 00:18:20 In the first episode of the They Are Us podcast, host Juliana Lukasik explores the root causes of homelessness and addiction through the stories of individuals in recovery and insights from experts. The episode features Bryant, who shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and employment, highlighting the importance of community support and personal determination. Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO of Central City Concern, discusses the broader implications of homelessness and addiction, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, mental health support, and a dedicated workforce to address these challenges. In the first episode of the They Are Us podcast, host Juliana Lukasik explores the root causes of homelessness and addiction through the stories of individuals in recovery and insights from experts. The episode features Bryant, who shares his journey from addiction and homelessness to recovery and employment, highlighting the importance of community support and personal determination. Dr. Andy Mendenhall, President and CEO of Central City Concern, discusses the broader implications of homelessness and addiction, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, mental health support, and a dedicated workforce to address these challenges. resilience, addiction, substance use disorder, nonprofit, community support, recovery, homelessness, portland, mental health, central city concern, employment false full 1