On the Corner of Homelessness and "_____________"

Hosted by Family Promise of Spokane

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Jul 2026

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About the show

Homelessness is a deeply complex and multifaceted issue in America today. Join your hosts, Joe and Emma, as they delve into the many intersecting factors that shape the experiences of those facing homelessness.

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37 recent

July 31, 202641 min

Family Crisis

On today's episode of On the Corner of Homelessness & Family Crisis, hosts Joe Ader and Gwyn Griffith talk to Vanessa Behan's Development Director, Lacey Renner. Today's episode discusses hard topics that may not be suitable for younger listeners. Please listen with care. Homelessness is a complex issue. We don’t claim to explore every part of this intersection, but hope that each conversation brings new clarity to the reality as a whole. Please keep an open, curious mindset as you listen, and seek to learn, just as we are. To find more about Vanessa Behan, please visit their website: https://www.vanessabehan.org/ Produced by Gwyn Griffith, Lucy Pearson, and Vivyetta Hershfelder. Recorded at The Spokane Public Library

July 1, 202644 min

College

“... roughly 14% of students reported experiencing homelessness. Housing-related hardship is even more common: 43% in the Trellis Strategies 2024 survey reported difficulty maintaining stable housing, underscoring how many students may be at risk of homelessness”This week we talk to Jillian Sitjar from School House Connection and Carla Fletcher from Trellis Strategies, who partnered together to learn about homelessness in Univeristy settings. Guest: Jillian Sitjar from School House Connection & Carla Fletcher from Trellis Strategies Hosts Joe Ader and Gwyn Griffith Produced by Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Assistance by Vivyetta Hirschfelder Recorded at The Spokane Public Library

May 31, 202612 min

Until They're Housed

What is better than a podcast? A podcast AND a Youtube Series! You can now find us on YouTube with a new series called "Until They're Housed." We will go over common misconceptions, history of homelessness, ask tough questions! Episode one can be heard on this episode of "On the Corner of Homelessness &" or can be found on YouTube here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjZ0x4UhO4k We also have tons of other resources on our page! Check out family stories, a look into homelessness through the eyes of a child, and more. We hope to see you there. Do you live in Spokane? Then save the date for our FunRun on August 1st. You can RSVP on our website or by following this link: https://www.familypromiseofspokane.org/funrun

May 4, 202639 min

Our Safety Net

Over $1.5 trillion dollars are spent each year across more than 100 federal programs designed to support Americans, and yet people continue to need assistance and poverty still exists. On today's episode of On the Corner of Homelessness & Our Safety Net, hosts Joe Ader and Gwyn Griffith talk with Clarence H. Carter, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Human Services and author of "Our Net Has Holes in It," to discuss why this is the case and what we can do about it. You can find his book at your local bookstore or here . Guest: Commissioner Clarence H. Carter Hosts Joe Ader and Gwyn Griffith Produced by Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Assistance by Eleanor Pigg Recorded at The Spokane Public Library

April 2, 202635 min

Language Barriers

On today's episode of On the Corner of Waiting, host Gwyn Griffith talks with a Family Promise of Spokane's Keep Housing Case Manager, Mirelle, about language barriers in homelessness. Homelessness is a complex issue. We don’t claim to explore every part of this intersection, but hope that each conversation brings new clarity to the reality as a whole. Please keep an open, curious mindset as you listen, and seek to learn, just as we are. Produced by Gwyn Griffith, Lucy Pearson, Sam McLaughlin, and Eleanor Pigg Recorded at The Spokane Public Library

February 28, 2026Episode 137 min

H.O.P.E.

We have talked about A.C.E.'s (Adverse Childhood Experiences) but have you heard of P.C.E.'s (Positive Childhood Experiences)? This month, Gwyn & Joe talk to Jennifer Hansen and Rumyana Kudeva from Spokane Regional Health District. Both are SRHD health program specialists and H.O.P.E. facilitators, and bring the framework of positive childhood experiences to our community. Guest: Jennifer Hansen and Rumyana Kudeva of Spokane Regional Health District Hosts Gwyn Griffith and Joe Ader of ⁠⁠ ⁠Family Promise of Spokane⁠⁠.⁠ Produced by Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Podcast Assistance by Eleanor Pigg and Samuel McLaughlin Resources: HOPE Program Spokane Regional Health Hope Program Episode on Trauma and A.C.E.'s To send in thoughts or comments please email podcast@familypromiseofspokane.org

November 30, 202551 min

Looking Back

This past year we have discussed a lot of intersections between homelessness and different aspects of community. We are taking a moment to look back, reflect, and dive deeper into some of these topics. Hosts: Joe Ader and Emma Hughes of Family Promsie of Spokane Producer: Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Assistance: Samual McLaughlin

October 31, 202541 min

Waiting

On today's episode of On the Corner of Waiting, hosts Joe Ader and Gwyn Griffith talk with Tammy Meyers, homeless outreach coordinator for the Spokane Regional Health District (SRHD). Homelessness is a complex issue. We don’t claim to explore every part of this intersection, but hope that each conversation brings new clarity to the reality as a whole. Please keep an open, curious mindset as you listen, and seek to learn, just as we are. Guest: Tammy Meyers of Spokane Regional Health District Hosts Emma Hughes and Joe Ader of ⁠⁠ ⁠Family Promise of Spokane⁠⁠.⁠ Produced by Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Recorded at The Spokane Public Library

August 31, 202554 min

Public Schools

Did you know that 1 in 25 students in Spokane Public schools are homeless? On today's episode of On the Corner of Public Schools, hosts Joe Ader and Emma Hughes talk with Ammie Hawk, a Student Services and McKinney-Vento liaison for East Spokane Valley. Homelessness is a complex issue. We don’t claim to explore every part of this intersection, but hope that each conversation brings new clarity to the reality as a whole. Please keep an open, curious mindset as you listen, and seek to learn, just as we are. Guest: Ammie Hawk of East Valley School District Hosts Emma Hughes and Joe Ader of ⁠⁠ ⁠Family Promise of Spokane⁠⁠.⁠ Produced by Gwyn Griffith and Lucy Pearson Podcast Assistance by Charis Tiampson Recorded at The Spokane Public Library Notes and Resources: McKinney-Vento Act Students Experiencing Homelessness PCE- Positive Experiences Communities in Schools Big Brothers Big Sisters Spokane Resources Family Promise of Spokane Akin Crosswalk Youth Shelter Launch NW

July 10, 202549 min

Fear, Guilt & Shame

Host Joe Ader and Producer and Guest Host Gwyn Griffith, talk about fear, guilt and shame in homelessness, both for the housed and unhoused. This conversation digs into why people feel the need to ignore or "fix" the problem of homelessness, why our intentions matter, how shame might be a good thing (what?), and much, much more. Links and Further Reading: Need resources? Homelessness Resources and Programs National Domestic Violence Hotline : 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) Family Promise of Spokane Family Promise National HUD Want to learn more? End Homelessness Resources Resources for Policymakers and Providers Sign up for, or donate to, the Family Promise of Spokane Fun Run here!