Join us for an insightful conversation with Josiah Haken, the CEO of City Relief. He shares about his vision for the organization based on his unique perspective. Josiah's insight is shaped by his experience growing up as the son of missionaries in Cameroon and working on the streets of New York City since 2010. In this episode, we explore Josiah's philosophy that our homeless neighbors deserve more than just our leftovers and the work that City Relief is doing to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Josiah is also the author of the book, Neighbors With No Doors, which tackles common misconceptions people have about homelessness. So join us for an engaging conversation and learn how we can better engage with and help our homeless neighbors. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

In today's episode, we are excited to introduce you to Bindia Malhotra, a finance industry expert who has advised top institutions around the world on various financial aspects. But Bindia's passion for helping others extends far beyond the corporate world. As a co-founder of the non-profit organization One Always Matters, she is dedicated to bringing hope and home to those who are recovering from injustice, oppression, and conflict. Bindia's commitment to volunteerism is truly inspiring. She has been a regular volunteer at City Relief outreaches and now serves on its Board of Directors. Join us as we dive into a conversation with Bindia about the importance of giving back and how her experience in the finance industry has influenced her work in the non-profit sector. We can all learn from Bindia's example of using her professional expertise to make a difference. Tune in to this episode to learn more about Bindia's incredible journey and the impact she is making in the world. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Join us on this episode as we chat with Pascale Leone, Executive Director of the Supportive Housing Network of New York, who has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations in New York City. As the leader of the only supportive housing nonprofit membership organization that represents over 200 nonprofits that develop and operate supportive housing, Pascale is a true champion of social justice and creating a world where everyone has access to basic necessities like housing and support. Before joining the Network, Pascale was the VP of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, where she crafted and advanced the agency's vision to advance a comprehensive Racial Equity Framework.   Her work and commitment to advocating for those who are often overlooked make her a true inspiration. Join us as we delve into Pascale's journey, the importance of equity and anti-racism work, and how we can all contribute to making a difference in the lives of vulnerable populations. Don't miss this inspiring conversation with Pascale Leone. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Sally Han, Manager of Community Engagement at Restore NYC, an anti-trafficking nonprofit. Sally has been working with Restore NYC for years, helping survivors of trafficking make their way to freedom. In today's episode, we dive into her journey and what led her to become such a passionate advocate for trafficking survivors. Starting as a case manager and working her way up, Sally now oversees volunteers, partners, and external training for Restore. Through her work, Sally educates the public about trafficking and trauma-informed best practices. We learn how she inspires the community to become champions for trafficking survivors and the difference one person can make. Join us as we delve into the important work being done at Restore NYC and get inspired by Sally's journey and dedication to ending trafficking. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

In this episode, we're honored to have Dr. Deborah Padgett, a renowned advocate and researcher in the fields of homelessness and mental health. From her work on Housing First, a groundbreaking book that's transformed the way we approach homelessness in the US and beyond, to her research on homeless "pavement dwellers" in Delhi, India, Dr. Padgett has made an incredible impact on the world. As a professor at NYU Silver, Dr. Padgett has mentored countless students and influenced the field with her work on mixed methods in research. Join us as we dive into her journey, accomplishments, and insights on the key issues surrounding homelessness and mental health. We'll discuss the importance of centering the voices of marginalized communities, the impact of systemic issues such as racism and poverty, and the role of research in creating change. Tune in to hear from a true trailblazer in the field, and learn how her work is making a real difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.  

On today's episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with returning guest Deborah Berkman, a Coordinating Attorney at the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Public Benefits Unit. As an expert in poverty, public interest, and civil rights law, Deborah has dedicated her career to fighting for the disenfranchised. She is the founder of the Shelter Advocacy Initiative, which provides representation to people experiencing homelessness and works to ensure they receive safe emergency shelter and housing subsidies. In addition to her work at NYLAG, Deborah is also an Adjunct Clinical Law Professor at Brooklyn Law School, where she teaches courses on poverty, public interest, and civil rights law. Join us as we dive into her insights on the importance of public benefits, the right to housing, and civil rights law, and learn how her work is making a significant impact on the lives of those experiencing homelessness. Don't miss this inspiring episode of our show! Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Join us for a special episode as we sit down with the incredible Richard Vernon. Richard is a true visionary who has dedicated his life to helping others and making a difference in disaster recovery and resiliency. We'll be diving into his inspiring work in non-profit organizations in New York City, where he's leading a citywide effort to increase access to clean personal hygiene services, with the aim of providing a much-needed entry point to connect with the community and provide them with vital resources.We'll be exploring his remarkable journey from his strategic thinking skills to his talents as a storyteller and learn how he's using his expertise to tackle the pressing issues of homelessness and poverty. We'll also discuss his passion for helping others, the importance of resilience in the face of disaster, and how he's making a real impact through his initiatives. You won't want to miss this episode, as Richard shares his insights, experiences, and inspiring story with us. Tune in to learn how you can make a difference in your community today.   Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Join us in this episode as we sit down with Susan Greenfield, an editor who is committed to shedding light on the untold stories of the homeless community. Susan's latest book, Sacred Shelter, features the narratives of thirteen individuals who have graduated from an interfaith life skills program for homeless individuals. Through open and honest interviews, the book explores their struggles and the healing they found through community and faith.   We are also joined by Dennis Barton, who is one of the individuals featured in the book. Despite years of addiction, incarceration, and homelessness, Dennis turned his life around with the help of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Today, he is an ordained deacon and a member of the Interfaith Assembly on Homelessness and Housing Speakers Bureau.   In this episode, we'll discuss Susan's work in uplifting the voices of the homeless community and the power of storytelling. We'll also hear from Dennis and his inspiring journey of second chances and community support. Don't miss this powerful conversation!   Use discount code "CITYRELIEF-FI"  for 25% off Sacred Shelter: 13 Journeys of Homelessness and Healing   Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

In this episode, we sit down with Detra Thomas, whose inspiring story was featured on Humans of New York in 2022. Detra shares her journey from being a pastor's wife in Arkansas to a homeless barista in New York City. She tells us about the challenges she faced in escaping an abusive marriage and experiencing homelessness for the first time, and how she found the strength to rebuild her life in a new city.   Detra is a shining example of turning hardship into positive growth, and she uses her experiences to teach others how to overcome adversity and succeed in life. Join us as we delve into her story and the lessons she's learned along the way. It's a conversation that will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to overcome your own challenges. Don't miss it!   Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

In this episode, we sit down with Darius Baxter, an emerging thought leader in the fight against poverty. Darius's personal experience with homelessness and growing up in a low-income household has driven him to pursue his passion for social impact ventures. As the CEO of GOODProjects, he has facilitated millions of dollars of investment and resources into low-income communities in the US and abroad. Darius shares with us his belief that collaboration, education, and technology can eradicate global poverty, and how he's putting that belief into action through projects like the GOODZone and the Baxter Family Kid's Center in Kenya. We also discuss his recognition on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and receiving the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award in Spirituality, and the impact his work has made on the lives of those he serves. Join us as we learn from the inspiring work of Darius Baxter and how we can all contribute to the fight against poverty. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer  

In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Champion Pizza, Hakki Akdeniz, as he shares his incredible journey from homelessness to becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. With almost 29 million Instagram followers and fans like Mike Tyson and Courtney Cox, Hakki's rise to success is truly remarkable. We delve into his story in detail, from sleeping on park benches to spending nights in his pizzeria to owning a chain of pizzerias across New York City and Long Island. We also discuss his new documentary, "Hi...I'm Hakki Akdeniz," which tells his story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Hakki's story is a testament to the power of the American dream, and he shares his insights and lessons learned with us. Join us as we are inspired by Hakki Akdeniz, a true champion! Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

This is the second half of our conversation with Mary Elizabeth Kyle, a director at The Grace & Mercy Foundation; she dives deeper into the stories that shaped her work in human services and helps us all unpack our narratives around homelessness.  Her years of experience in human services and working with people experiencing homelessness have given her a unique perspective on how we can collectively serve those who are unhoused.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

This week we talk with Mary Elizabeth Kyle, a director at The Grace & Mercy Foundation; she shares with us the nuance of homelessness and how her upbringing impacts the lens through which she comes to the conversation.  Her years of experience in human services and working with people experiencing homelessness have given her a unique perspective on how we can collectively serve those who are unhoused.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

In part 2 of this conversation, Deborah Berkman breaks down the nuance of the public shelter options that people experiencing homelessness face; she shares what everyday people can do to make a difference.  Deborah is a Coordinating Attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Public Benefits Unit and founded NYLAG’s Shelter Advocacy Initiative, providing representation to people experiencing homelessness.  Deborah advocates for single adults and families to receive habitable emergency shelter and housing subsidies so that they may transition to permanent housing.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

This week we talk with Deborah Berkman she is a Coordinating Attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Public Benefits Unit and founded NYLAG’s Shelter Advocacy Initiative, providing representation to people experiencing homelessness.  Deborah advocates for single adults and families to receive habitable emergency shelter and housing subsidies so that they may transition to permanent housing.  In this episode,  she dives into her passion for helping people and why it's important that we create systems that support people when facing life's biggest challenges.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

This is part 2 of the conversation we had with City Relief's CEO Josiah Haken about what it takes to change the narrative around homelessness. People have many stereotypes about homelessness, and these assumptions can be unknowingly harmful. In part two, Josiah encourages us to dismantle our preexisting belief systems and treat everyone we encounter with compassion and openness. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/give-holidays-email Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

This week we talk with City Relief's CEO Josiah Haken about what it takes to change the narrative around homelessness. People have many stereotypes about homelessness, and these assumptions can be unknowingly harmful. In this episode, Josiah encourages us to dismantle our preexisting belief systems and treat everyone we encounter with compassion and openness. He also delves into how helping people experiencing homelessness is an act of faith.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Tune into the second part of this dynamic conversation with Tricia Philbert. She breaks down a program we call VIP. This program gives people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to serve their neighbors.The people who've participated as VIPs tell us they walk away from this experience with more self-worth and dignity, having been of service to other people. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer    

In this episode, we talk with Tricia Philbert. She has been on the ground with City Relief for the past three years, helping people in crisis. Tricia is a Licensed social worker and Adjunct Professor at Nyack College and enjoys teaching and training young leaders in social work. In the first half of her interview, she discussed how growing up in Brooklyn, and her life experiences prepared her heart to walk alongside people experiencing homelessness in an authentic way.  This episode will inspire you to reimagine how your experiences could be the medicine for someone in need.  Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer

Meet Wayne Batchelor; he shares his story of experiencing homelessness in New York City over the last few years. Wayne was seeking humanity from anyone during the height of the pandemic when many resources New Yorkers take for granted were unavailable. His resiliency was awe-inspiring and left us imagining ways we could show more humanity to those we encounter experiencing homelessness. Download your free guide, click here: https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download Donate toward City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/giving Volunteer with City Relief, click here: https://cityrelief.org/volunteer