In Episode 5 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I sat down with Andre, a brother I met in Greenville, South Carolina, who never thought he would become homeless.

After a family breakdown, he suddenly found himself on the streets, struggling to navigate a system full of barriers. Andre opened up about the reality that homelessness can affect anyone, regardless of race, and how those with disabilities are often taken advantage of.

He also spoke about the lack of education and resources that could empower people experiencing homelessness, as well as the difficulty of securing housing without an ID.

Through it all, Andre remains committed to working and trying to rebuild his life, despite the daily challenges of survival and trust.

His story challenges myths about homelessness and reminds us that many people don’t choose this path—it happens due to circumstances beyond their control.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 4 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I sat down with Stacey, a woman I met in Greenville, South Carolina, who lives in a motel but still experiences the reality of homelessness. Without a stable home, Stacey finds herself in a transient state—having a place to stay, but lacking security, community, and stability. She shared how motel policies prevent her from building a sense of belonging where she stays, which is why she chooses to spend time with people experiencing homelessness on the streets. Stacey also opened up about the pain of losing her mother and the challenges of living with a disability. Her story is a reminder that homelessness isn’t just about being on the streets—it’s also about the instability of not having a permanent place to call home. Stacey’s journey highlights the deep need for community, understanding, and compassion for those living in uncertain housing situations.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 3 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I sat down with Akeem, a young veteran who became unhoused in Greenville, South Carolina, after a family disruption. Akeem shared the heartbreak of being separated from his children and the challenges of navigating homelessness for the first time. Through a simple yet powerful act—providing him with a cellphone after he lost his—we were able to help Akeem reconnect with his kids. What stood out most about Akeem was his respect, his heart, and his unwavering faith. His character and resilience will undoubtedly play a key role in helping him overcome homelessness. His story is a powerful reminder of the struggles young veterans face when returning to civilian life, and the importance of supporting them through challenges like homelessness.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 2 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I talked with Elford, who became unhoused after losing his job. I met Elford in Greenville, South Carolina, where he shared his journey of facing homelessness after being laid off (August 2024) and moving in search of new opportunities. Elford opened up about the challenges of securing shelter in his home state due to residency rules, the struggles of rebuilding his life, and how his faith keeps him moving forward. In that moment, Elford and I formed a connection that turned into a friendship, and I now consider him a brother. When we spoke, he was living in a shelter, working, and determined to stand on his feet for himself and his daughter. Elford’s story reminds us that homelessness can happen to anyone and that dignity, resilience, and human connection shine through even in the most challenging times.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

Norman was the first person I met while in Greenville, SC. He was sleeping on a cold public bench less than 75 steps from the Mayor’s office. When I first met him, we sat and talked, and he expressed his desire to share his story on the Imagine Dignity Podcast. In this episode, Norman opens up about his journey into homelessness, his ongoing self-advocacy as he seeks to engage with political leaders, and the hidden realities of homelessness in a city where $600-a-night hotel rooms stand in stark contrast to his life on a bench. He also shares the challenges of being treated with disrespect by people who don’t look like him, even after suffering a stroke. What stands out most from Norman’s story is the importance of voice. Through his advocacy, he reminds us that being unhoused does not mean being voiceless—and that we must work to ensure every voice is heard. I am grateful to share Episode 1 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast this Christmas, 2024.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast is here, and I’m excited to kick it off with an introduction to what’s ahead! This season, I hit the road and started in Greenville, South Carolina—a city that encouraged my advocacy work and fueled my passion to pursue a PhD to understand policy and homelessness. My time in South Carolina deepened my understanding of how policies, like an ordinance in Port Royal, SC, impact the lives of unhoused people, making it harder to exist in public spaces. This intro sets the stage for powerful conversations and firsthand stories about the intersection of homelessness, advocacy, and the real-world effects of public policy. The first full episode of Season 2 launches on Christmas Day, so mark your calendars for an inspiring and insightful holiday release!

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 12, the final episode of Season 1 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Anthony, a brother I met living in front of an abandoned building. Anthony’s journey is one of incredible perseverance. Despite facing homelessness and battling stage three cancer, he continues to hold on to an unwavering faith in God, a positive outlook, and a generosity that deeply touched me. When we first spoke, Anthony was living outside, but I’m grateful to share that he has since moved into an apartment. Our connection has grown beyond this interview, as I’ve stayed in touch with Anthony and encouraged him during his cancer treatments. His story reminds me of the strength found in faith, the importance of community, and the resilience of the human spirit. Thank you for joining me throughout Season 1, and I can’t wait to share more stories with you in Season 2!

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 11 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Aaron, a brother I met while walking through East Point, GA. Aaron approached me, and I could immediately see the weariness in him—not just from navigating life with one leg but also from the overwhelming challenges of homelessness. What started as a brief encounter quickly turned into a heartfelt conversation and friendship, and Aaron graciously opened up about his journey. Aaron shared how homelessness has profoundly shaped his life, teaching him lessons in growth, humility, and resilience. Despite the struggles he faces, his unwavering faith in a divine power has kept him grounded, allowing him to hold on to love, hope, and a determination not to fall back into despair.

Our conversation was a powerful reminder of the exhaustion that homelessness brings, but also the hope, transformation, and strength that can emerge from it.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]