Homeless In San Diego

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Sarah Gomez. Sarah is a Marine Corps veteran, mother of two, and graduate student at Cal State San Marcos. Today she is also an Instructional Technician and Academic Coach at the university. Greg and Sarah discuss her journey from a successful homeowner to losing everything and becoming homeless with her two children and nowhere to go after her husband was sentenced to jail. Listen to learn how Sarah’s resilience and grit, and her commitment to her children led her to where she is today.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by CEO of Veterans Village of San Diego (VVSD), Kim Mitchell, and army veteran Rod Gabriel. “Every veteran has raised their right hand, has committed an oath to serve and do something beyond themselves; yet, veterans are disproportionately represented among people experiencing homelessness,” says Greg. Army veteran, Rod, shares his inspirational story about the homelessness he experienced after serving in the military. His journey includes imprisonment, addiction, and homelessness, until he found VVSD, which helped him on his road to recovery and finding his path as a successful entrepreneur. Visit www.homelessinsandiego.org to see this episodes "Calls to Action"

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Michael Williams, a published author and formerly homeless Marine Corps veteran, back to the show. The two discuss Michael's experiences, from losing the successful life he once had and experiencing homelessness, to finding a place to call home and regaining his independence. Once a person experiencing homelessness is able to rent an apartment and begin a new chapter of life, the process is a one-step-at-a-time journey. To learn more about Michael's journey and his spiritual perspective of homelessness, visit our podcast website at homelessnessinsandiego.org

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Michael Williams, a published author and formerly homeless Marine Corps veteran. The two discuss what life was like for Michael before he ended up on the streets - a successful man, who not only was a consultant in the performing arts industry for 10 years, but also has a degree in economics and served his country as a Marine Corp Infantry Officer. But then he got sick. He had to sell his home, goods, and eventually his car just to get by, until he was able to receive help at Interfaith.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services is joined by Gary Warth of the San Diego Union Tribune. Warth shares his unique perspective about the stories and issues surrounding homelessness. The purpose of their discussion was to share insight into the realities some people face while experiencing homelessness as well as help listeners be more educated and informed about what’s taking place in our communities. One of Warth’s goals as a journalist investigating a story is to understand what homeless people need rather than allowing committee members to make decisions for them. For example, he spoke with a woman in her mid-60s. She has a five page resume and wants to work, but fears not being able to find a job because she cannot access a shower and does not have clean clothes. Another man said he waits in line at 4am to use a public shower with a hundred other people and only half in line may get to use it. Warth also gave insigh

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Executive Director Krysta Esquivel and David Baker of YMCA Youth & Family Services (YFS). David shares his personal journey, coming from “a background of dysfunction,” and experiencing homelessness at a young age. “I would say I never really had a home,” said David, until he found YMCA YFS. Krysta discusses the goals of the organization around social responsibility and helping vulnerable youth and families. David is a living example of how the cycle can be broken; not only is he no longer homeless, but he is now an employee at YMCA YFS, helping those who are in the shoes he once was; and he wants all youth experiencing homelessness to know: you are not a lost cause.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Tracy, a Navy Veteran and graduate of Interfaith’s Recuperative Care Program located at our Hawthorne Veteran and Family Resource Center. Tracy also introduces Max, his loyal companion and the first service dog to live at the Recuperative Care center (and to come on the podcast!), as well as his son, Caleb, who is inspired by and proud of his dad’s journey.  When Tracy first came to Interfaith, he was living in his car and struggling to treat his PTSD and schizophrenia. When he was offered a way out of homelessness through Recuperative Care, Tracy was skeptical of accepting the help. Tracy shares how grateful he is that he did and how Interfaith truly turned his life around.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Reverend Meg Decker, Board Chair at Interfaith and leader of Trinity Episcopal Church in Escondido. As the ‘boss lady’ Rev. Meg discusses her experiences volunteering at Interfaith’s Haven House Shelter, sharing conversations with residents over their pancakes with sporks, and also speaks to her role as Board Chair, making tough decisions that directly impact those residents. Greg and Meg discuss how our neighbors experiencing homelessness truly have to fight back and the interesting conversation that results shows us that life is meant for more.

On this special "mythbuster edition" episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes back Rebecca Louie from Wakeland, an affordable housing developer, and Bruce, a formerly homeless resident of Wakeland housing. Greg, Rebecca, and Bruce discuss the common myths around affordable housing, and one very important truth: “there is only one thing that solves homelessness; and that is housing.”

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Terry, a veteran who was formerly homeless and is now an advocate for a vision of housing for all. As a native Californian and San Diego resident for 47 years now, Terry shares his story of how he has experienced homelessness for most of his life. Greg and Terry discuss how different life circumstances can cause homelessness and some of the ways our listeners can help. Please send any questions you have for Terry - he will be returning to the show for a future Q&A episode!

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Holly Nelson, Carlsbad Clinical Outreach Manager. Holly also introduces Tom, who had spent eight years on the streets until two years ago when he began his journey with Interfaith. As a LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), Holly discusses some of the challenges faced by Tom and many others who have experienced homelessness, including the struggles around falling into the cycle of self-medicating to ease the pain. Tom shares how he found Interfaith and met Holly, who in addition to helping with benefit enrollment, finding housing, and becoming sober, has also become a dear friend who he can count on. Tom's strength has paid off as he expresses how he feels when he looks around his home - "pure gratitude, these are my walls."

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by two coworkers; Daniel Sturman, Shelter Intake Specialist, and Anna Mades, Social Worker - Homeless Outreach Team OPD (Oceanside Police Department).  Daniel and Anna also introduce Shawn, who up until two months ago was experiencing homelessness for 15 years. Shawn shares her journey, the trials and tribulations she had to overcome, while Daniel and Anna discuss how they met Shawn, the 'choice words' they sometimes have to deal with in their line of work, and ultimately the strength they see within people like Shawn who are the reason they do what they do. They laugh, they cry, they get real - so our listeners have the opportunity to truly understand homelessness. 

On this bonus episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, invites Ellis Rose back to the podcast to finish sharing his story. When we left off, Ellis was sleeping on the street on the coldest night of the year. The two discuss the extreme difficulties faced by those attempting to overcome homelessness, and Ellis shares how he was able to finally find his way off the streets, once and for all. 

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Ellis Rose, who holds the ‘Homeless/ Formerly Homeless’ board seat on San Diego Regional Task Force on the Homeless. As a fellow board member (Greg holds the ‘Homeless Service Provider - North Coastal’ board seat), the two discuss the realities around what’s being done about the big issue - and what’s not, that should be. Ellis shares his story of how he ended up facing homelessness, and the life circumstances that led him from being a homeowner, to living in his car, to eventually his worst fear- sleeping on the streets.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Rebecca Louie, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Wakeland Housing and Development Corporation. Wakeland is a leader in the creation and operation of affordable housing in California that address the needs of our communities. Rebecca also introduces Bruce, a resident of supportive housing Wakeland has built in San Diego. Bruce is a Vietnam veteran who had a successful career in construction. After severe health problems led him to lose his job when he was in his late 60s, he became homeless. Bruce shares his story from experiencing homelessness as a senior to how affordable housing helped save his life.

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Steve Binder, Deputy Public Defender and Co-founder of innovative court program: Homeless Court. Steve and Greg discuss the game-changing court program that helps homeless individuals get back on their feet and leave the streets. Steve provides listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at the origination of Homeless Court in San Diego, how the program works, and the national expansion of this first-of-its-kind program.

On this episode of ‘Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,’ host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Deacon Jim Vargas, CEO of Father Joes Villages. Established in 1950, Father Joes Villages has a mission to end and prevent homelessness, one life at a time. Deacon Jim also introduces Jill, a former client of Father Joes Villages who shares her story from broken and hopeless, experiencing homelessness for 10 years, to her decision that love was worth living for.

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, is joined by Dennis Stein, filmmaker of "Tony - The Movie." Greg and Dennis also welcome Tony Rodriguez, star of the movie and native San Diegan to discuss his experience with homelessness. Dennis and Tony provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at how the documentary developed- growing from a film about life on the streets, to also embracing a focus on understanding solutions.  What do communities do to significantly reduce homelessness? What is happening in San Diego? And does Tony find housing?

On this episode of 'Homeless in San Diego: Real People, Real Stories,' host Greg Anglea, CEO of Interfaith Community Services, welcomes Jim Harris, President of the University of San Diego. Jim shares that his passion for helping those experiencing poverty came from hearing his parent's stories of growing up during the Great Depression, and how he even experienced his own bout of homelessness in college when he was forced to live out of his car. Greg and Jim also discuss what USD is doing surrounding the issue of homelessness in San Diego, how the trauma and fear one experiences while being homeless is life-long, and what those who are looking to help those in need can do to truly make a difference.