We the Unhoused

This week, Theo takes you inside the Care, Not Cages press conference from this past spring in LA, organized by the Reimagine LA coalition. How do we get our cities to invest in their people as promised? Gather, and demand it. Also: Theo gives his take on the horrifying Supreme Court decision that further criminalizes being unhoused in the U.S. Follow Reimagine LA here: https://reimagine.la/ Follow Trans Latina Coalition here: https://www.translatinacoalition.org/ Follow Bamby Salcedo here: https://www.instagram.com/labamby/ Follow La Defensa here: https://ladefensa.org/who-we-are/ Follow Makeen Yasar: https://www.instagram.com/makeen_yasar/ Follow Baba Akili: https://www.instagram.com/akili4thepeople/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo speaks with Ralph Silverman and Fred Waitzkin. Waitzkin is the author of the upcoming book "Anything is Good," an account of his friendship with Ralph ranging from their high school best friendship, through Ralph's experiences being unhoused in Florida, and Waitzkin's learning that his assumptions about the unhoused experience were far from the truth. Pre-order the book here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anything-is-good-fred-waitzkin/1144380103See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo explores how struggles of the unhoused are intersected with Palestinians fighting for freedom while being ethnically cleansed. He catches up with reclaimer and past guest Martha Escuerdo with @reclaiminghomes, then speaks with student organizers in protest encampments at USC, demanding divestment from Israel and acknowledging the displacement universities do locally. Also, a memorial for Jessica ‘Queen’ Mendez. Follow Martha’s work at @reclaiminghomes. Donate to Queen’s memorial fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/QueenEPLMemorialFundSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo learns about the origins of a successful, ever growing mutual aid group — the Echo Park Trash Club, and what they offer to the unhoused community. Follow EPTC here: https://linktr.ee/EchoParkTrashClubSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

To conclude our Blow the Whistle series, Theo conducts a round table discussion with three whistleblowers on Inside Starving.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our Blow the Whistle! series continues! Theo continues his conversation with Project Homekey whistleblowers Danya Dominguez and D’Andre Beckham, and talks to Janet about being unhoused while pursuing her journalism degree. Follow Danya here: http://linkedin.com/in/danyadominguez2010See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo speaks with Project Homekey whistleblowers Danya Dominguez and D’Andre Beckham about their experiences advocating for the unhoused and being thwarted by the city. Then, we speak with Tiny of Poor Magazine on educating the public on how to be better allies. Follow Danya here: http://linkedin.com/in/danyadominguez2010 Follow Tiny and Poor Magazine here: https://www.instagram.com/poormagazine/?hl=enSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo goes down to Long Beach to get a fuller picture of the unhoused community. He speaks with Lee Charles Richmond, Latisha Marie aka Lady C, and Rico Thaka -- plus, a bonus interview with The Dental Salon of Long Beach about their new initiative to provide the unhoused with free dental care. Follow Rico Thaka: https://twitter.com/RicoThaka Contact The Dental Salon: https://www.thedentalsalonlb.com/contact-map/ We the Unhoused on Spectrum News! : https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/homelessness/2024/03/13/unhoused-voices-find-renewed-platform-with--we-the-unhoused--relaunchSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Right now, there are thousands of LGBTQIA+ unhoused people living on the street, but their community and distinct struggles are never spotlighted in housed media. This week, Theo speaks with three LGBTQIA+ unhoused or formerly unhoused activists about their experiences, communities, and how to build a world where their stories are elevated and honored.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo speaks with candidates running in the upcoming election, including Dr. Cornel West and California judge candidates LaShae Henderson, George Turner, and Erika Wiley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo travels to San Diego to speak to unhoused people forced to deal with the violent, life-threatening act of hospital dumping, and how law enforcement and the hospitals themselves are using mask-off tactics to threaten the lives of a growing unhoused community. This week, he speaks with Tiran, Stacy, and Michelle. In unhoused news, we discuss the dangerous outcome of the HB5 decision in Kentucky, as well as more anti-unhoused laws voted through in San Mateo and Ohio.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo concludes his discussion with Melissa Acedera, Zen Sekizawa, and Neil Blakemore about mutual aid, and how its power to bind communities stands in stark contrast to charity and philanthropy. In unhoused news, we discuss two bills putting the American unhoused under attack -- the passing of HB5 in Kentucky, and a case in the Supreme Court that fully criminalizes sleeping on the street. Follow Melissa: https://www.polospantry.org/ and https://www.melissaacedera.com/ Follow Zen: http://jtownaction.com/ Follow Neil: https://neilblakemore.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo holds a round table discussion with some of LA's most prominent activists to examine the history of mutual aid, and how it stands in stark contrast to the concepts of charity and philanthropy. Melissa Acedera, Zen Sekizawa, and Neil Blakemore weigh in for part one of a comprehensive look at what activists in LA are doing to start a revolution. Follow Melissa: https://www.polospantry.org/ and https://www.melissaacedera.com/ Follow Zen: jtownaction.com Follow Neil: https://neilblakemore.substack.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo takes a deep dive into the unhoused community living in vans and RVs across LA -- and the constant harassment and discrimination they face from the city and their housed neighbors. Interviews with RV living activist Paisley and LA Public Press journalist Elizabeth Chou, who has been following the story for years. Also, a discussion about the current state of Care Courts. Follow Paisley Mares's work: https://twitter.com/paisleymares?lang=enhttps://www.thegoodmischief.com/ Follow Elizabeth Chou's work: https://twitter.com/reporterlizSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1,692 unhoused people died in Los Angeles County last year. How do we memorialize their lives and stories, and give their loved ones space to mourn? This week, Theo discusses the Can You See Me Memorial, an annual event in Los Angeles he founded to do just that -- and holds a space of digital memorial for the lives lost this year. Follow JTown Action and Solidarity here: https://jtownaction.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We the Unhoused is BACK, now on iHeartRadio. So let's get reacquainted -- this week, host and creator Theo Henderson tells us about the history and mission of the podcast, centering the voices of the unhoused and unpacking the systemic issues the community faces. Then: Baehoni interviews Theo about his experience with houselessness; Theo interviews Martha Escuerda of Reclaiming Our Homes. Follow We the Unhoused: https://www.wetheunhoused.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/wetheunhoused/ Follow Theo: https://www.instagram.com/thhheohenderson/ Follow Baehoni: https://www.instagram.com/baehoni/ Follow Reclaiming Our Homes: https://www.instagram.com/reclaiminghomes/ Follow The Sister Show: https://www.instagram.com/the_sistershow/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Take everything you know about houselessness and forget it. Welcome to We the Unhoused - a podcast created by Theo Henderson with the goal of uplifting voiceless citizens. Begun while Theo was living on the streets of LA for over eight years, We the Unhoused provides an intimate look at the unhoused experience while challenging the systems that oppress them. The unhoused are not a monolith - let’s start a conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We the Unhoused Goes to WashingtonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We the Unhoused Remix: San FranciscoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A compilation of live recordings from a sweep in Harbor City.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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We the Unhoused is giving bonus episodes of selected guests. The first of the five part series is Chella Coleman musician. Please support We the Unhoused by being a patreon member.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo interviews tenants of AIDS Healthcare Foundation's Madison Hotel in Downtown LASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a while since WTU has done some deep dives. what better dive than housing harassment, retaliation and injustice?  Stay tuned while We the unhoused guide you through AIDS Healthcare FoundationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Same fight. Different round. America prides itself on deep patriotism.  Its a sham a lie to keep the focus on the Unhoused crisis. We the  Unhoused has explored the Veteran Unhoused crisis. I learned many  things. One, no matter how nice the oppressor is, displacement is still  violenceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you believe 2021 is almost over? We The Unhoused is now 2 years old! A baby to be sure, but look how its grown. Next year great things are in store for WTU as we continue to organize for HouseKeys, Not Handcuffs. It is my pleasure to present the last episode of 2021. Be safe, be well, and lets meet the new year in the light of understanding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mainstream society don't see the unhoused community as a human being. Mainstream media plays a part and authorizes dismissal of the Unhoused by their slanting all points of view. The hatred of the Unhoused leading the bulk of the attention. Enter Nimbyland. Let's take this episode from another "point of view."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We The Unhoused returns with part 2 of San Francisco Hell. Featured guests Paul Braden gives us a searing snapshot on how we got to this crisis. A special report is introduced in keeping the Unhoused community safe.  Other Los Angeles guests round out the episode.  If you wish to see the video portion of the episode please subscribe to We The Unhoused on YouTube.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're going to San Francisco, criminalization of the unhoused is in the air. WTU covers sex work, substance usage, domestic violence, generational trauma, life threatening illness, and family houselessness. Please listen with empathy and an open heart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Recorded live at UCLASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sweeps: the virus continues. Coming to an area near you. Mitch Farrell lied. LAPD lied. Mayor Garcetti lied. A major military occupation on the unhoused community descended upon Echo Park Lake on March 24 and 25. They touted it as a model to treat the Unhoused community. This is reminiscent of past civil rights movements. Please listen to the voices and stories of the Unhoused community and local activists.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War leaves nothing else if not destruction and displacement. If you consider the statement, what wars are we engaged in currently? One at the moment is the war on the poor. Who are the heroes in this war? The military? The police? Who were made to be the villans? The unhoused community..See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Justice is love in action. Justice for the Unhoused community is ending criminalizing them with brutal sweeps. Please hear their first hand accounts from unhoused Downtown LA residents Shirley, Rosie, Harvey and the organizers who are fighting with them. Now is the time to listen and do what is rightSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. King is known for one speech. Supporters of his speeches use it to provide the fire to continue his legacy. Detractors use it to weaponize against the people Dr. King champion. This two part episode captures love in action.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WTU travels to Santa Cruz to see the similarities and differences of how Unhoused people are treated there compared to LA. Theo interviews Unhoused community members including Alicia Kuhl, and organizers with Food Not Bombs.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we learn about our past, we can see our future and do things differently. How? By breaking down the walls of fear, ignorance and hatred, we can replace with respect and gratitude. The sacrifice, love, and labor for the people who are literally putting food on the table for the people who despise them. This episode highlights the heroes/sheroes of Oxnard, CA. Other luminaries such as Melissa Acedera, Carmen Obeso, Sylvia Hernandez, Danny Park, Polos Pantry, Eayikes, Skid Row Market joined in solidarity to lend a hand during Covid stay at home order. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Voting is the one precious tool we have in a democracy. As the Unhoused are often ignored, Theo interviews members of the Unhoused and housed community on this subject. We learn about how the Trump presidency affects the LA community, adding to the criminalization push this liberal city already does to its unhoused residents. Exercising you voting power is paramount in these extraordinary times.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

WTU goes on the road to explore the houseless epidemic fueled by the Covid 19 pandemic economic turmoil. We compare and contrast how San Jose and Los Angeles address their unhoused residents. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What better way to give thanks and educate the world is to show how San Pedro came to be. It didn't begin with harmony, but displacement, violence and a damaging narrative. We The Unhoused investigate the hostility done by Joe Busciano. In the midst of such violence there is peace and beauty. Indigenous resident Andre shares his compassion for his Unhoused neighbors. Philosophical Beast share his gifts with us.  Services not Sweeps member Chris Venn gives us his insight on the area.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Theo interviews unhoused Highland Park resident Cristy on the importance of organizing, building understanding, and building community power with the tenants movement. Theo also interviews Hawthorne resident Felipe about the injustices he endures, and organizers with Street Watch LA who set up a 'Power Up' phone charging table in Hawthorne.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new Dante's Inferno for the unhoused in the form of Special Enforcement Zone sweeps expanding across Los Angeles, courtesy of City Hall, LAPD, and the NIMBYs. But the community coming together to stand up to this inhumanity, blockading sweeps and providing mutual aid, including serving breakfast and providing motel rooms. In this special two hour episode, Theo interviews unhoused Van Nuys residents Angela and Shane, and unhoused Hollywood residents Jessica, Angel, Jimmie, and Hal. (pictured: Unhoused and housed community members come together to block an encampment sweep in the Hollywood enforcement zone)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a follow up on the injustices done to Tiana Arata and the link to the past. We The Unhoused delves deeper into respectability politics used to silence the younger generation's efforts and bravery to bring that 'good trouble' that the late John Lewis talked about.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This investigation into the police kidnapping of Black Lives Matter Activist Tannia Arata uncovered corruption and intimidation tactics employed by the San Luis Obisbo Police and prosecutorsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a year of social movement for change, We The Unhoused covered the rally and fight for Mely Corado who was murdered by LAPD. Family and friends came together to remember Mely and keep the calls for justice and to #DefundThePolice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Services Not Sweeps coalition holds a rally for Black Unhoused Lives in rapidly gentrifying Venice. We hear from the family of Brendan Glenn, a Black Unhoused resident of Venice who was murdered by LAPD in 2015. Theo interviews residents of Venice, and Council member Mike Bonin. (photo: Grace gives testimony to the life of her cousin Brendan Glenn at the site where LAPD murdered him by the Venice boardwalk)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo interviews food justice advocate Melissa Acedera and Alex on how the Polo Pantry food operation has expanded. Theo also interviews LA CAN's General Dogon, Monique, and Todd about ecojustice and urban gardens. WTU is also live in Glendale to interview organizers Hayk Makhmuryan and Niko Shahbazian of the Glendale Tenants Union on the push to cancel rent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo covers and speaks at the "Defund The Police: Rally For Black Unhoused Lives" in Echo Park. We hear powerful testimony from Unhoused Echo Park resident Lady Bliss, a musical performance from Unhoused EP resident Ayman Ahmed, a call to action from LA CAN's General Dogon, John Blackman, and EP resident Zach talks about a camp shower he built. Theo then interviews congressional candidate David Kim, a self professed "PHIMBY" aka Public Housing In My Back Yard. (Photo: A portrait of Charley "Africa" Keunang, an unhoused resident of Skid Row who was murdered by LAPD in 2015. Rest In Power)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first in a five part series "Meeting In The Light Of Understanding" hosted by Theo. This forum is the place where hard conversations are had and no judgment is given. We examine the George Floyd uprisings and our feelings about it. (Photo: Theo leads a march of over a thousand people during the Rally and March for Black Unhoused Lives in Echo Park)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.