Are we really giving people a voice, or just the illusion of one?

This episode dives into the tension between tokenism and true participation in community work. We look at what it takes to move beyond traditional charity models toward real collaboration—where power is shared, not hoarded. Through the story of the Toronto Underhoused and Homeless Union (TUHU), we explore both the wins and the struggles of creating spaces where people experiencing homelessness can shape the decisions that impact their lives. Along the way, we unpack what this means for food banks, church outreach, and any program that wants to move past symbolic inclusion toward authentic, empowering community.