Content note: This episode contains references to self-harm and suicidal ideation. Please be careful with yourselves. Hello, Homeward Indy Listeners, this is Elliot Zans, co-producer and occasional host. I want to personally welcome you all to the last and pinnacle episode of 2024. Today I am privileged to present a conversation between myself and my dear friend Nancy as she shares her experience of being homeless in Indianapolis. This episode is both an indictment of systems and institutions an

Is housing the key to help us build a more equitable society? In this episode of Homeward Indy you’ll gain critical insights into the state of homelessness in Indianapolis, directly from some of experts who are driving change. We're joined by Elliot Zans and Abe Roll from CHIP, the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, who share the motivations behind the first-ever State of Homelessness event that took place in June. This event aims to educate city and county officials, state

How does someone transition from being a survivor of domestic violence to becoming an advocate for others? Tracy Clark, Director of Supportive Services at Coburn Place, shares her powerful journey in this episode. Joined by Erica Young, Housing Program Coordinator with the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV), they provide an unflinching look at the escalating domestic violence crisis in Indiana. Tracy and Erica discuss their roles in providing critical support and housing for sur

Imagine losing a loved one to addiction and channeling that grief into a mission to save lives. That's exactly what Justin Phillips did after the tragic overdose of her son, Aaron. In this poignant episode, we sit down with Justin, the CEO and founder of Overdose Lifeline, and Brienna Baldwin, the organization's Director of Harm Reduction. Justin's deeply personal journey led her to advocate for protective legislation that has saved countless lives, and to create a nonprofit dedicated to comb...

Featuring: Raymond Powell, Pre-Release Manager Melinda “Lin” Adkisson, Peer Coach & Jeannie Reed, Peer Recovery Services Manager Ever wondered how much impact a second chance can have on someone's life? Hear firsthand from Raymond Powell, Lin Adkisson, and Jeannie Reed, three individuals who have taken the resources and support from PACE (Public Advocates for Community Reentry) and turned them into transformative life changes. Ray, once a client, now works as a program manager, while Lin...

When the path to healing intertwines with the power of human connection, remarkable transformations can occur. Jessica Evans and Amanda Sparks from Allies Inc. join us to share the heartening strides they're making in supporting survivors of human trafficking. Their organization's approach is unique in its commitment to long-term, voluntary mentorship, which fosters a sense of family and belonging that many of these young individuals have sorely missed. Our conversation highlights the importance