From left to right: Laura, Bernie, and Greg sit down in the ‘Homeless in San Diego’ studio
On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Bernie Miles from Episcopal Community Services. After 32 years of working in the nonprofit sector, Bernie shares his views on the root causes of homelessness, as well as the crucial services he delivers by working with ECS' "Friend to Friend" program, which serves local homeless individuals living with mental illness.
Bernie then introduces Greg to his former client Laura, who endured homelessness for eight years before being placed into permanent housing with the help of the "Friend to Friend" program. Laura discusses her personal experiences of living on the street and shares how she coped with disrespect, shame, mental illness, and extreme sleep deprivation without a roof over her head.
Calls to Action:
Like Laura said, donations to organizations advocating for the homeless really make a difference. Find an agency working to not only get individuals off the street, but also continue to support them once they are in housing. Visit 2-1-1 to browse the local organizations currently working towards ending homelessness & support both Episcopal Community Services and Interfaith Community Services.
Like Bernie said, care for people. So much of what Laura endured came down to the shame & disrespect she felt while homeless.
If you want to see more people moving off of the street, make a change. Advocate, vote, and help make changes by taking action.
Demand more permanent supportive housing programs from your elected officials. Not sure where to start? A list of San Diego City council Members can be found by clicking here.
To learn more about Episcopal Community Services and to support their work, please click here.