Episodes

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 ...

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...

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 E...

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 J...

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 Ra...

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 support...

When the staggering truth hits that 71% of families in Indianapolis shelters are Black households, it's impossible to ignore the call to action. Bryan Ball, our guest and newest member of the Homeward Indy team, shares his ex...

This week we have 3 incredible guests from Step-Up, a comprehensive HIV care and resource organization: Rachel Biddle, Emily Grese and Holli Young, who share the impactful ways they're changing lives. From innovative HIV cas...

Each year, communities across the nation coordinate an annual, snapshot survey of citizens experiencing homelessness on a specific night in January. The Point-In-Time Count, or “PIT” Count provides communities with some infor...

Have you ever wondered about the path that leads a vulnerable veteran from battlefield trauma and instability to the civilian workforce? Veteran Career Coach Sherif Cobb shares her personal odyssey from disabled vet to becomi...

Have you ever felt the sting of injustice, that fleeting moment, or those arduous times where something doesn't seem right or fair? Meet Erika Fotsch and Brady Ripperger of the Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana, our este...

Our latest episode welcomes Chief Deputy Coroner Alfie Ballew, whose empathic and dedicated approach to caring for Indianapolis decedents has changed the way we honor our dead. Alfie unravels the emotional and logistical tape...

How often do we consider the quiet struggles of children who don't have a place to call home? This episode delivers an eye-opening conversation with Karen Routt and Erin Haring-Switzer of Brightlane Learning. Their dedication...

Homeward Indy kicks off the new year with an insightful interview with Lillian Herbers-Kelly, the Director of Housing at Horizon House. As a longstanding and integral part of the Indianapolis Continuum of Care, Horizon House ...

Kick back and witness a new perspective with this week’s guests, KT and TK of the Indiana Chapter of Nomad Alliance. KT and TK have been showing up for our neighbors in a wide array of capacities, from basic needs …

Content Warning: Infant abandonment and death (non-graphic), death and after-death care, the process for unclaimed persons, and grief and loss processing. Please take care of yourself. As winter settles around us and the year...

We are thrilled to welcome Chelsea Haring-Cozzi, Executive Director of CHIP to feature in our 20th episode of Homeward Indy! Chelsea and Steve discuss the causes of homelessness, the importance of fostering a deep understandi...

Hello Homeward Indy Listeners, old and new! Join us from location in Philadelphia at the Fall 2023 National Human Sciences Data Consortium Conference! Steve and Elliot take the show on the road, make new friends, and host a s...

In this compelling episode of Homeward Indy, we delve deep into the formidable challenges families face when grappling with homelessness. Our guest, Breanna Klink, the dedicated Program Director at Holy Family Shelter, shares...

With keen insights and a compassionate perspective, Rabbi Spiegel delves into the root causes and far-reaching consequences of the alarming eviction rates that plague our community. Despite Indianapolis's relatively small siz...

This week’s episode is a unique first for our podcast, and we are so grateful and excited for this conversation with the incredible Eba’Nesha Bowles. Our last episode with Charlotte Cox of 91 Place allowed us to connect with ...

Join us for an eye-opening episode as we delve into the world of 91 Place, an innovative Indianapolis organization dedicated to supporting young adults aged 16 to 24 during pivotal life transitions. In this conversation with ...

Discover the inspiring journey of Joy Jamison, a driving force behind Dayspring Center, an around-the-clock emergency shelter for homeless families. Joy and Steve explore the challenges families face, the transformative impac...

This week, join Steve for a fascinating conversation about the invaluable role of social workers within the Indianapolis Public Library System. Yanna McGraw, a licensed social worker who covers all 24 library locations, speak...