The Power of Home

Episode 3: The Power of Home – Breaking Barriers: Mental Health and Homelessness

In this episode of The Power of Home, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month and dive into the crucial intersection of mental health and homelessness. Host Lara Pukatch is joined by Wesley Thomas, an advocate with firsthand experience of homelessness, who shares his powerful story and the importance of a well-resourced street outreach network. Wesley discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and homelessness and why it’s essential to break these barriers to truly support individuals on their journey to stability. Later, we hear from Dana White, Director of Advocacy at Miriam's Kitchen, who leads The Way Home Campaign. Dana talks about the campaign's success in influencing D.C.'s budget to prioritize funding to end chronic homelessness and shares the challenges ahead as we approach the FY26 budget season. Tune in to learn how mental health plays a central role in the fight to end homelessness, and how you can help support the critical work of The Way Home Campaign. Listen now and join us in the effort to create lasting change for our unhoused neighbors. The Power of Home is brought to you by Miriam’s Kitchen, a nonprofit working to end homelessness in Washington, D.C Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2408545/open_sms]

Episode 2: The Path Forward – Housing, Compassion, and Women’s Stories

In this powerful episode of The Power of Home, we highlight the voices, solutions, and compassion driving the movement to end homelessness. We begin with a moving conversation with Rachelle Ellison, a member of Miriam’s Kitchen’s Speakers Bureau, who shares her personal journey through homelessness and her passion for advocacy. This interview, in honor of Women’s History Month, underscores the unique challenges women face—and the strength they carry. Next, we explore the proven effectiveness of the Housing First model with Sara Taylor  Senior Director of Housing from Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Program, who shares how permanent housing without preconditions transforms lives. Finally, we discuss the importance of compassion and mental health awareness in addressing homelessness and breaking stigma. This episode is a reminder that storytelling changes minds, housing changes lives, and everyone deserves a place to call home. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2408545/open_sms]

Episode 1: The Power of Home – The Importance of the PIT Count

In our first episode of The Power of Home, a podcast by Miriam’s Kitchen, we explore how the Point-in-Time (PIT) Count serves as more than just a data collection effort—it’s a crucial tool in the fight to end homelessness. Join us as we talked with Andrew Wassenich from our Advocacy Team to discuss the impact of this year’s PIT Count, the challenges of conducting outreach during the winter months, and how the data informs policy and advocacy work. We also examine encampment cleanings, their impact on the community, and how we can push for housing-first solutions. Additionally, Kevin Sturtevant, Chief Development Officer, shares how you can make a tangible difference by donating and volunteering with Miriam’s Kitchen. With winter in full swing, our need for compassionate volunteers is greater than ever. 👉 Take action today: Sign up to volunteer at miriamskitchen.org [https://www.miriamskitchen.org/volunteer] and be part of the solution. Listen now and join us in working toward a future where everyone has a place to call home. Send us a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2408545/open_sms]