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]