Unpacking Homelessness

S2 E1 - Karen Cowling on Heart-led Strength: Caring for Community Through Mission Arvada

When the number of unsheltered individuals began to rise in her city, Karen Cowling was one of many community members compelled to act. When Arvada Rising, a church nested in the center of Olde Town, decided to open Mission Arvada to help the community, Karen stepped up and has been leading the Mission ever since. In this episode, Karen vulnerably shares her personal story of abuse, healing through God, and the many choices she’s made to follow her heart. Karen’s is an all-in humanitarian and inspires us say Yes when we’re called to help others.

Ep. 12 - Straight Talk, Real Change: Rob Preston on Barrier Breakers and Second Chances

In this episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we talk with Rob Preston, a Tacoma native whose personal journey through addiction, loss, and survival has fueled his mission to uplift others. After spending years navigating systems that often failed his community, Rob worked at Workforce before founding Barrier Breakers in 2020 — an organization focused on helping people access housing, resources, and long-term support. Rob shares the realities of growing up in Hilltop, the pain of losing friends to the streets, and why true rehabilitation must include housing, stability, and self-sufficiency. Tune in for an honest conversation about systems change, second chances, and breaking

Ep. 11 - Creative Compassion and Cosmic Change: Tiffany Cassidy on Unique Jouneys and Diverse Solutions

Tiffany Cassidy, an astrologer in Denver’s Bluebird District and former security guard on Colfax, shares her unique perspective on homelessness. Blending spiritual insight with street experience, she encourages the public to think abstractly and recognize the purpose in everyone — seen or unseen. A conversation about energy, empathy, and seeing people beyond their circumstances.

Ep. 10 - Hope Beyond Homelessness: Sylvester Bush's Testament of Faith and Never Giving Up

In this inspiring episode of Unpacking Homelessness, we are graced by Sylvester T. Bush, Jr., a resilient and compassionate man who brings lived experience to the conversation about individuals experiencing homelessness and what it takes to break the cycle. Sylvester shares his journey—not as a story of homelessness, but as a story of faith, endurance, and purpose. His voice offers insight into the realities many face, and the power of community and hope in building a better future.

Ep. 9 - The Bigger Picture: Louis Harris on DEI, Public Policy, and the Complexities of Homelessness

Homelessness isn’t just about not having a roof over your head—it’s shaped by a mix of economic, emotional, and societal factors. In this episode, we chat with Louis Harris about how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) connect to housing, and why public policy is such a big piece of the puzzle. Louis shares stories and insights that help people see homelessness from a new perspective—one that looks beyond stereotypes and focuses on the real, often hidden, challenges people face. We talk about how communities can work together, why systemic barriers matter, and how compassion and policy can create lasting change.