Street View

On this episode we hear stories from people who have found or lost love on the streets. We are also joined by an ordained minister who shares his experiences of performing weddings for individuals experiencing homelessness.

On this episode, we hear from Jonathan, Nicholas & Tyron who have experienced or are currently experiencing homelessness and what their views of the street life are.

On this episode we hear from Jennifer and Martin, two individuals who have previously experienced homelessness. They discuss their transitions from street life to shelters to ultimately finding housing.

On this episode, we hear from Christopher to discuss individualism and how each situation on the street is different related to one's motivations, routines, and daily challenges.

On this episode we speak with Carlton, who chooses to not stay in shelters. We also hear about his experiences in dealing with Texas weather.

On this episode we hear from attendees at the Back Pack Challenge and meet the new Street View crew!

After nearly 2 1/2 years, the Street View Podcast team comes together one last time to give some insight and perspective on the issue of homelessness. The team talks mental health, affordable housing, drug abuse, rehabilitation, tent cities, parting thoughts and how everyone you meet is on their own timeline. As much as we want people to be on our timelines, we must meet people where they are and help them how we can in that place. The Dallas Public Library's Homeless Engagement will continue to provide one-on-one assistance and engagement programs to people experiencing homelessness. To follow the program, visit http://dallaslibrary2.org/homeless/.

Rashad is joined by colleagues Corey, Vanessa and Nick as they explore the ins and outs of conformity.

The women take over Street View Podcast as Rashad takes a back seat and hears the female perspective on homelessness and life in general. The episode features Adena Jones, one of the library's CitySquare AmeriCorps members who serves with the HELP Desk.

Join the team for a special "Folk" edition of Street View Podcast. The team is joined by Bill Smith, a library associate on the Fine Arts floor and one of his guitar students, Wayne. The library's music classes are open to anyone - from home school kids and homeless adults - and have successfully ignited people's passion for music. Wayne shares his story on becoming homeless and plays a few tunes for the group.

Cindy Crain, the new CEO of Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA) joins the team to talk about homelessness in Dallas and MDHA's new strategies to understanding the issue and coming up with creative solutions, including increasing the number of volunteers who help with the annual Point In Time Count each January and increasing street outreach staff to bring direct and ongoing case management to people experiencing homelessness. Since the recording of this episode, MDHA has released their 2016 PIT Count data and conducted their annual State of Homelessness Address. Based on this year's results, unsheltered homelessness has more than doubled since 2015 and homelessness across the board has increased approximately 24% in Dallas County.

Pastor Wayne Walker, Executive Director of Our Calling, joins the Street View Podcast team again to discuss Compassion Fatigue, Tent City and the new Our Calling app for iPhones and iPads, Help I'm Homeless, that offers people instant access to resource referral to help someone experiencing homelessness and better coordinates existing resources.

In episode two of the new season, the original crew, Rashad, Jasmine and Ryan discuss some topics that are weighing heavy on Rashad, including relationship problems, stagnancy, time and energy, selflessness, low-rent housing conditions and living life without regrets.

The crew is back for an all-new season of Street View. On the season premiere, Rashad, Antoinette, Ryan and Jasmine catch up and talk about a variety of topics, including how respect is learned, the library's new projects, being named Best Local Podcast by Dallas Observer, conformity, capitalism and the idea of self-sufficiency in an increasingly interdependent society.

The Street View Podcast Team catches up on the past year and what the future holds for the podcast and the library's Homeless Engagement Initiative. Rashad reflects on how much life has changed since the podcast started almost two years ago, how much the library has meant to him in that time, and his inner conflict about currently being stable and "selfish." The future of the podcast is up in the air as Rashad debates whether or not it would be best to "hand over the mic" to someone else next season.

The Street View team is joined by new library staff person, Shonta Bradford, library regular Charlie Piano and library volunteer Luis Cabrera. The team discusses the struggles of ex-offenders in seeking work as well as the resources available to those in need at the library. Luis was released from a 14-year sentence in November 2013 and found his way to the library to access up-to-date listings of employers who hire ex-offenders. He has since started his own organization aimed at helping ex-offender find employment. The team also gets an update from Charlie Piano who was featured in Season 1 of Street View. Though he is now living in a tent, Charlie continues to find happiness through his quilting and his strong relationships with the Stewpot and the 4th floor of the Central Library.

Brother Bill Thompson, Executive Director of Union Gospel Mission (UGM) visits with the Street View team about the services available through UGM and its affiliate shelters and services, including emergency shelter for men, women and children, and vocational training. UGM has served Dallas area residents in need since 1949. Brother Bill has served as the Executive Director since 1988 and continues to UGM evolve to meet the new and increasing needs of the homeless and hungry in Dallas.

According to John Dornheim, Special Projects Manager of NAMI Dallas, National Alliance on Mental Illness, one if four people are affected by mental illness. Many times it is more than just the person who suffer, it is his/her friends, family, co-workers and acquaintances. John joins the Street View Podcast team to talk about mental illness, mental health and how NAMI works to provide education, support and advocacy for those affected by mental illness. Mr. Dornheim too suffered from mental illness prior to joining NAMI and shares his personal experiences.

Brenda Street, founder of God's Truest Miracles joins the Street View Podcast team to talk about her transitional housing programs and her personal story from pulling herself out of alcoholism and homelessness to establishing God's Truest Miracles. Brenda shares some 'Brenda-isms' and her personal philosophy on success and how she tries to instill it in others.

Pastor Len Taylor of The Lord's Hands and Hearts Ministries joins Rashad and the team to talk about hope and homelessness. Pastor Len provides service at Solomon's Porch on Saturday mornings as part of the ministries. Rashad and Pastor Len met for the first time while both were staying at Dallas homeless shelters. Pastor Len who was raised in by a preacher-father and a church-going mother, found himself homeless for a short period after his life spiraled out of control following his divorce. He provides a unique perspective and lively dialogue on the need for hope for those experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty in South Dallas and how respect, fellowship and places like Solomon's Porch can help.

The Street View Podcast team is joined by SMU Professor of Creative Advertising, Willie Baronet. But it's not his work in Creative Advertising that has brought him to the show,. Willie has made quite a name for himself through his art using cardboard signs he purchased from homeless individuals on the street. Willie has been collecting them for over 20 years and has several art installations throughout the country. His work can be found on his website www.weareallhomeless.org as well as in his upcoming feature-length documentary, "Signs of Humanity." Rashad and the team discuss how the project has changed Willie and those who witness it as well as the fundamental question, "What does home mean to you."

The Street View Podcast team reunites with Pastor Wayne Walker, Executive Director of Our Calling. Pastor Wayne was featured on one of our most popular episodes from last season, "When Sin Takes Over," which stirred up some controversial ideas about sin and homelessness. He joins us again to talk more about the general dysfunction that all humans deal with, the issue of providing short-term solutions to individuals experiencing homelessness and his philosophy on healing the whole person.

In Episode 2 of the new season of Street View Podcast, the team is joined by Gina Parker, Executive Director of Back on My Feet Dallas, one of eleven chapters of the successful program model across the U.S. Back on My Feet uses running and physical exercise to improve the self-esteem and self-worth of homeless individuals as well as an avenue to developing relationships with homeless individuals to assist them with becoming self-sufficient. Andre Woodson joins the conversation. He and Rashad go back years from their days at the Bridge. Andre is also a fan of the Street View Podcast, and a Back on My Feet success story.

Welcome to Season 2 of the Street View Podcast! The team is back and we have a new team member, Malcolm Varner. Malcolm joined the Dallas Public Library in October 2014 and serves as the library's Homeless Engagement Coordinator thanks to a Special Projects grant from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Catch up with the team and find out what new programs they have developed, whether or not Rashad got his Jeep or Boxer or apartment and exciting new plans for the development of the Community Exchange and engagement of the whole downtown Dallas community.

In Episode 9 of Street View, the team reclaims its old studio, complete with Destiny's Child poster and graveyard of antiquated equipment, for a nostalgic look back at where it all began. Rashad, Jasmine, Ryan and Ann reflect on the podcast series so far, how it has changed them, and what they still want to hear. The team is joined by Antoinette Carey-Spriggs, one of the library's AmeriCorps members who coordinates resources for the homeless at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library. Rashad reflects on the power of perspective, the June 2014 D Magazine article about him, the "Butt Naked Club," the evolution of his "Word of the Day," and his ambivalence to continue the show as he hopes to remove himself from a life of homelessness and aspires to one day have a Jeep, a Boxer and an apartment.

In Episode 8 of Street View, you meet Mike Faenza, President of the Metro Dallas Homeless Alliance (MDHA), a non-profit that serves as the coordinating entity for the $16 million in U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding shared among forty-four area homeless service agencies. In addition to stewarding these funds, MDHA is responsible for tracking the outcomes of these agencies and providing recommendations for improvements. Their ultimate goal: to end homelessness in Dallas. It's quite the mission, but according to Mike, "On one hand we feel like we are making a big difference. On a bad day we feel like we are bailing out the ocean with a teaspoon.” Mike addresses questions about housing from homeless guests, Don Foreback and Leon Holeman, both of whom struggle with steady employment and housing options. There is a serious shortage of affordable housing for the poor and homeless in Dallas with 20,000 people on a waiting list, the maximum allowed on the list, leaving thousands more waiting to get on the waiting list. Ultimately, the conversation turns to the need for increased community awareness and a change in public perception regarding homelessness and those experiencing it.

In Episode 7 of Street View, you meet Larry James, author of The Wealth of the Poor, and President and CEO of CitySquare, a Dallas-based social justice agency dedicated to fighting the root causes of poverty through service, advocacy and friendship. Discussion revolves around CitySquare and Larry's strong vision of how to approach change in housing and poverty in Dallas. Larry discusses CitySquare's various housing and service projects including, 511 Akard, The Opportunity Center, and The Cottages at Hickory Crossing. Larry James was recently appointed by Mayor Mike Rawlings to head the Mayor's Poverty Taskforce to develop short-term wins in the fight against poverty which held their first meeting on May 29, 2014. Throughout the episode, Larry relates the core issues of homelessness to the same core issues of poverty, saying "If you start unpacking these stories, there are common threads. Generational poverty, unforeseen tragedy or accidents, health issues, sexual abuse, domestic violence, alcoholism, drug addiction. Often beginning with some tragedy or trauma and people self-medicate. This kind of thing is happening in University Park, it’s in the Park Cities. It’s McKinney. It’s in Allen. It’s everywhere. But in the poor neighborhoods where the resources do not exist, it’s more difficult to cover all that up."

In Episode 6 of Street View, you meet Jon Edmonds, Executive Director of Austin Street Center, a faith-based emergency shelter in Dallas. Jon discusses how community building and community development is key to solving many issues related to homelessness and the need to uncover the vast array of hidden talents and skills among the homeless. Joining the discussion are two men, Mitch Young and Tyrone Kenny who are both homeless men or "outdoor individuals" as Mitch calls them. Mitch and Tyrone share their different journeys to Austin Street and the various activities that help them through this transition in their lives, both at the shelter and at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

In Episode 5 of Street View, you meet Dr. Susan Spalding, Director of Parkland Hospital’s Homeless Medical Services, including five HOMES mobile units. As Dallas County’s safety net hospital, Parkland continues to develop to meet growing demands for medical services to low-income families and adults, including the homeless and the poorest among us, since they do not qualify for Medicaid in the state of Texas or coverage under the Affordable Care Act. Dr. Spalding provides insight into the unique health issues facing the homeless, including the spread of disease in shelter-environments and the need for specialized medical services, including podiatry, since homeless individuals spend so much time on their feet.

In Episode 4 of Street View, you meet Rev. Dr. Bruce Buchanan, Executive Director of The Stewpot, a safe haven for the homeless and at-risk founded by First Presbyterian Church in 1975. Bruce gives a glimpse of the past and future of homeless services in Dallas through the many projects initiated by First Presbyterian, including upcoming plans for 508 Park Ave and Encore Park Dallas. The projects expand upon The Stewpot's efforts to go beyond addressing the basic needs of the homeless by inspiring creativity through art, music and performance. Discussion continues with Charlie Piano, a quilt-maker who became homeless after losing his wife and his job. Charlie is able to cope with his current situation through creativity and the support of The Stewpot's art programs. Charlie is known locally in Dallas for his quilt-making in public spaces like Klyde Warren Park and the fourth floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

In Episode 3 of Street View, you meet Pastor Wayne Walker, Executive Director of Our Calling, a faith-based non-profit dedicated to serving the homeless. Wayne provides insight into the realities of homelessness and the faith-based perspective that dysfunction has taken over the soul and only a relationship with God can help - a belief shared by many faith-based homeless service providers in Dallas. Discussion continues with Jason Parks, a homeless individual who has been homeless for eight years and frequently uses the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library.

Meet Ron Cowart with the Dallas Police Department's Crisis Intervention unit about the ambivalent relationship the police have with the homeless. Discussion continues with Chris and Kiki, homeless individuals sharing their own experiences on the streets and with the police. Street View Podcast is a part of the Dallas Public Library’s ongoing Homeless Engagement Initiative aimed at increasing community awareness of issues related to homelessness and promoting the public library as a place of social inclusion.

Part 3 of 3 of Street View Podcast Episode 1: Meet Rashad Dickerson, host of Street View (www.streetviewpodcast.com), and learn more about the Dallas Public Library's Homeless Engagement Initiative from library staff, Jasmine Africawala and Ann Bever, as well as the Director of Libraries, Jo Giudice. Street View Podcast is a part of the Dallas Public Library’s ongoing Homeless Engagement Initiative aimed at increasing community awareness of issues related to homelessness and promoting the public library as a place of social inclusion.

Part 2 of 3 of Street View Podcast Episode 1: Meet Rashad Dickerson, host of Street View (www.streetviewpodcast.com), and learn more about the Dallas Public Library's Homeless Engagement Initiative from library staff, Jasmine Africawala and Ann Bever, as well as the Director of Libraries, Jo Giudice. Street View Podcast is a part of the Dallas Public Library’s ongoing Homeless Engagement Initiative aimed at increasing community awareness of issues related to homelessness and promoting the public library as a place of social inclusion.

Part 1 of 3 of Street View Podcast Episode 1: Meet Rashad Dickerson, host of Street View (www.streetviewpodcast.com), and learn more about the Dallas Public Library's Homeless Engagement Initiative from library staff, Jasmine Africawala and Ann Bever, as well as the Director of Libraries, Jo Giudice. Street View Podcast is a part of the Dallas Public Library’s ongoing Homeless Engagement Initiative aimed at increasing community awareness of issues related to homelessness and promoting the public library as a place of social inclusion.