This week, Theo checks in with two candidates for judge we spoke with earlier this year -- George Turner and Erika Wiley. We discuss what's changed with the Grants Pass decision, the journey to the ballot box, and the pressing need for local politicians that are advocating for the unhoused.

Learn more about George here:

https://georgeaturner4judge.com/

Learn more about Erika here: 

https://www.wileyforjudge.com/

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Ahead of the election, Theo dives deep into why the unhoused vote is so crucial with Dr. Caitlin Krenn. Also, Theo speaks with Oregon-based activist Jetty about how Grants Pass legislation is already affecting the intensity of sweeps across the country.

Follow Jetty here: 

https://www.instagram.com/junkartlady/ https://www.instagram.com/barefootdefenders/
Follow Dr. Krenn here: 

https://www.caitlinkrenn.com/ 

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Theo speaks with Ralph Silverman and Fred Waitzkin. Waitzkin is the author of the upcoming book "Anything is Good," an account of his friendship with Ralph ranging from their high school best friendship, through Ralph's experiences being unhoused in Florida, and Waitzkin's learning that his assumptions about the unhoused experience were far from the truth.

Pre-order the book here:

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/anything-is-good-fred-waitzkin/1144380103

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This week, Theo explores how struggles of the unhoused are intersected with Palestinians fighting for freedom while being ethnically cleansed. He catches up with reclaimer and past guest Martha Escuerdo with @reclaiminghomes, then speaks with student organizers in protest encampments at USC, demanding divestment from Israel and acknowledging the displacement universities do locally. 

Also, a memorial for Jessica ‘Queen’ Mendez.

Follow Martha’s work at @reclaiminghomes.

Donate to Queen’s memorial fund here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/QueenEPLMemorialFund

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This week, Theo learns about the origins of a successful, ever growing mutual aid group — the Echo Park Trash Club, and what they offer to the unhoused community.

Follow EPTC here: https://linktr.ee/EchoParkTrashClub

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To conclude our Blow the Whistle series, Theo conducts a round table discussion with three whistleblowers on Inside Starving.

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Our Blow the Whistle! series continues! Theo continues his conversation with Project Homekey whistleblowers Danya Dominguez and D’Andre Beckham, and talks to Janet about being unhoused while pursuing her journalism degree.

Follow Danya here: http://linkedin.com/in/danyadominguez2010

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This week, Theo speaks with Project Homekey whistleblowers Danya Dominguez and D’Andre Beckham about their experiences advocating for the unhoused and being thwarted by the city. Then, we speak with Tiny of Poor Magazine on educating the public on how to be better allies.

Follow Danya here: 

http://linkedin.com/in/danyadominguez2010

Follow Tiny and Poor Magazine here: 

https://www.instagram.com/poormagazine/?hl=en

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This week, Theo goes down to Long Beach to get a fuller picture of the unhoused community. He speaks with Lee Charles Richmond, Latisha Marie aka Lady C, and Rico Thaka -- plus, a bonus interview with The Dental Salon of Long Beach about their new initiative to provide the unhoused with free dental care.

Follow Rico Thaka: https://twitter.com/RicoThaka

Contact The Dental Salon: https://www.thedentalsalonlb.com/contact-map/

We the Unhoused on Spectrum News! : https://spectrumnews1.com/ca/la-west/homelessness/2024/03/13/unhoused-voices-find-renewed-platform-with--we-the-unhoused--relaunch

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Right now, there are thousands of LGBTQIA+ unhoused people living on the street, but their community and distinct struggles are never spotlighted in housed media. This week, Theo speaks with three LGBTQIA+ unhoused or formerly unhoused activists about their experiences, communities, and how to build a world where their stories are elevated and honored.

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Theo speaks with candidates running in the upcoming election, including Dr. Cornel West and California judge candidates LaShae Henderson, George Turner, and Erika Wiley.

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Theo travels to San Diego to speak to unhoused people forced to deal with the violent, life-threatening act of hospital dumping, and how law enforcement and the hospitals themselves are using mask-off tactics to threaten the lives of a growing unhoused community. This week, he speaks with Tiran, Stacy, and Michelle. In unhoused news, we discuss the dangerous outcome of the HB5 decision in Kentucky, as well as more anti-unhoused laws voted through in San Mateo and Ohio.

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Theo continues his exploration of the wreckage of the Grants Pass ruling with a focus on the effects of youth houselessness, and goes in depth with Dr. Robin Petering and Tonny St. James to discuss the Young People to the Front initiative. But first, Theo speaks with Emptea about the uptick of evictions in Los Angeles in district one, and how they're taking City Councillor Hernandez to task for failing to protect residents like them from eviction.

Follow Young People to the Front here: 

https://www.instagram.com/youngpeopletothefront/

Venmo Emptea at @emptea

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Theo concludes his discussion with Melissa Acedera, Zen Sekizawa, and Neil Blakemore about mutual aid, and how its power to bind communities stands in stark contrast to charity and philanthropy. In unhoused news, we discuss two bills putting the American unhoused under attack -- the passing of HB5 in Kentucky, and a case in the Supreme Court that fully criminalizes sleeping on the street.

Follow Melissa:

https://www.polospantry.org/

and 

https://www.melissaacedera.com/

Follow Zen:

http://jtownaction.com/

Follow Neil:

https://neilblakemore.substack.com/

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This week, Theo holds a round table discussion with some of LA's most prominent activists to examine the history of mutual aid, and how it stands in stark contrast to the concepts of charity and philanthropy. Melissa Acedera, Zen Sekizawa, and Neil Blakemore weigh in for part one of a comprehensive look at what activists in LA are doing to start a revolution.

Follow Melissa: https://www.polospantry.org/ 

and https://www.melissaacedera.com/

Follow Zen: jtownaction.com

Follow Neil: https://neilblakemore.substack.com/

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Theo takes a deep dive into the unhoused community living in vans and RVs across LA -- and the constant harassment and discrimination they face from the city and their housed neighbors. Interviews with RV living activist Paisley and LA Public Press journalist Elizabeth Chou, who has been following the story for years. Also, a discussion about the current state of Care Courts.

Follow Paisley Mares's work:

https://twitter.com/paisleymares?lang=enhttps://www.thegoodmischief.com/

Follow Elizabeth Chou's work:

https://twitter.com/reporterliz

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1,692 unhoused people died in Los Angeles County last year. How do we memorialize their lives and stories, and give their loved ones space to mourn? This week, Theo discusses the Can You See Me Memorial, an annual event in Los Angeles he founded to do just that -- and holds a space of digital memorial for the lives lost this year.  

Follow JTown Action and Solidarity here: https://jtownaction.com/

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We the Unhoused is BACK, now on iHeartRadio. So let's get reacquainted -- this week, host and creator Theo Henderson tells us about the history and mission of the podcast, centering the voices of the unhoused and unpacking the systemic issues the community faces. Then: Baehoni interviews Theo about his experience with houselessness; Theo interviews Martha Escuerda of Reclaiming Our Homes.

Follow We the Unhoused: 

https://www.wetheunhoused.com/ and https://www.instagram.com/wetheunhoused/

Follow Theo: https://www.instagram.com/thhheohenderson/

Follow Baehoni: https://www.instagram.com/baehoni/

Follow Reclaiming Our Homes: https://www.instagram.com/reclaiminghomes/

Follow The Sister Show: https://www.instagram.com/the_sistershow/

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Take everything you know about houselessness and forget it.

Welcome to We the Unhoused - a podcast created by Theo Henderson with the goal of uplifting voiceless citizens. Begun while Theo was living on the streets of LA for over eight years, We the Unhoused provides an intimate look at the unhoused experience while challenging the systems that oppress them. The unhoused are not a monolith - let’s start a conversation.

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We the Unhoused Goes to Washington

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We the Unhoused Remix: San Francisco

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A compilation of live recordings from a sweep in Harbor City.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, Theo is on the ground for a brutal Grant's Pass motivated sweep of a long term, vulnerable unhoused community in El Monte, CA this month. He speaks with people affected, and asks sheriffs and Army CORPS members on how one can justify sweeping and threatening to arrest allies assisting the unhoused in the middle of a triple-digit heat wave. How are sweeps changing now that the Supreme Court has empowered them? The reality is gruesome.

Then, Theo speaks with returning guest Kath Rogers, an attorney with the Southern California ACLU, who gives a detailed perspective on how the establishment is taking advantage of the Grant's Pass decision, how it differs from policies under the Martin v. Boise decision, and how the unhoused can defend themselves in the face of this horror.

Learn more about Kath's work here: 

https://www.aclusocal.org/en/biographies/kath-rogers

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We the Unhoused is giving bonus episodes of selected guests. The first of the five part series is Chella Coleman musician. Please support We the Unhoused by being a patreon member.

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Theo interviews tenants of AIDS Healthcare Foundation's Madison Hotel in Downtown LA

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It has been a while since WTU has done some deep dives. what better dive than housing harassment, retaliation and injustice?  Stay tuned while We the unhoused guide you through AIDS Healthcare Foundation

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Same fight. Different round. America prides itself on deep patriotism.  Its a sham a lie to keep the focus on the Unhoused crisis. We the  Unhoused has explored the Veteran Unhoused crisis. I learned many  things. One, no matter how nice the oppressor is, displacement is still  violence

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Can you believe 2021 is almost over? We The Unhoused is now 2 years old! A baby to be sure, but look how its grown. Next year great things are in store for WTU as we continue to organize for HouseKeys, Not Handcuffs. It is my pleasure to present the last episode of 2021. Be safe, be well, and lets meet the new year in the light of understanding.

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Mainstream society don't see the unhoused community as a human being. Mainstream media plays a part and authorizes dismissal of the Unhoused by their slanting all points of view. The hatred of the Unhoused leading the bulk of the attention. Enter Nimbyland. Let's take this episode from another "point of view."

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We The Unhoused returns with part 2 of San Francisco Hell. Featured guests Paul Braden gives us a searing snapshot on how we got to this crisis. A special report is introduced in keeping the Unhoused community safe.  Other Los Angeles guests round out the episode.  If you wish to see the video portion of the episode please subscribe to We The Unhoused on YouTube.

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If you're going to San Francisco, criminalization of the unhoused is in the air. WTU covers sex work, substance usage, domestic violence, generational trauma, life threatening illness, and family houselessness. Please listen with empathy and an open heart.

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Recorded live at UCLA

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It's a busy week on We the Unhoused -- Theo travels between California and Michigan to take a closer look at the intersecting struggles of the unhoused and the housing-insecure. 

First, we speak with journalist Phoenix Tso of LA Public Press and Alejandro Gutierrez of the Hillside Villa Tenant Association on the current struggle to keep longtime residents housed in the face of brutal landlord rent hikes and complicity within the city government. 

Then, we head to Michigan, where Theo speaks to Tyree Guyton of the Heidelberg Project in Detroit, where we discuss how art and political education intersect with the liberation of the unhoused people.

Over on Unhoused News, Theo continues to cover the developing horrors of the Grant's Pass Supreme Court decision, and discusses the current brutal heat wave across LA.

Follow the Hillside Villa Tenant Association here: https://www.instagram.com/hillsidevilla_

Follow Phoenix Tso here: 

https://www.instagram.com/phoenixtso

Follow the Heidelberg Project here:

 https://www.heidelberg.org/history 

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Sweeps: the virus continues. Coming to an area near you. Mitch Farrell lied. LAPD lied. Mayor Garcetti lied. A major military occupation on the unhoused community descended upon Echo Park Lake on March 24 and 25. They touted it as a model to treat the Unhoused community. This is reminiscent of past civil rights movements. Please listen to the voices and stories of the Unhoused community and local activists.

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War leaves nothing else if not destruction and displacement. If you consider the statement, what wars are we engaged in currently? One at the moment is the war on the poor. Who are the heroes in this war? The military? The police? Who were made to be the villans? The unhoused community..

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Justice is love in action. Justice for the Unhoused community is ending criminalizing them with brutal sweeps. Please hear their first hand accounts from unhoused Downtown LA residents Shirley, Rosie, Harvey and the organizers who are fighting with them. Now is the time to listen and do what is right

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Dr. King is known for one speech. Supporters of his speeches use it to provide the fire to continue his legacy. Detractors use it to weaponize against the people Dr. King champion. This two part episode captures love in action.

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WTU travels to Santa Cruz to see the similarities and differences of how Unhoused people are treated there compared to LA. Theo interviews Unhoused community members including Alicia Kuhl, and organizers with Food Not Bombs.

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As we learn about our past, we can see our future and do things differently. How? By breaking down the walls of fear, ignorance and hatred, we can replace with respect and gratitude. The sacrifice, love, and labor for the people who are literally putting food on the table for the people who despise them. This episode highlights the heroes/sheroes of Oxnard, CA. Other luminaries such as Melissa Acedera, Carmen Obeso, Sylvia Hernandez, Danny Park, Polos Pantry, Eayikes, Skid Row Market joined in solidarity to lend a hand during Covid stay at home order. 

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Voting is the one precious tool we have in a democracy. As the Unhoused are often ignored, Theo interviews members of the Unhoused and housed community on this subject. We learn about how the Trump presidency affects the LA community, adding to the criminalization push this liberal city already does to its unhoused residents. Exercising you voting power is paramount in these extraordinary times.

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WTU goes on the road to explore the houseless epidemic fueled by the Covid 19 pandemic economic turmoil. We compare and contrast how San Jose and Los Angeles address their unhoused residents. 

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What better way to give thanks and educate the world is to show how San Pedro came to be. It didn't begin with harmony, but displacement, violence and a damaging narrative. We The Unhoused investigate the hostility done by Joe Busciano. In the midst of such violence there is peace and beauty. Indigenous resident Andre shares his compassion for his Unhoused neighbors. Philosophical Beast share his gifts with us.  Services not Sweeps member Chris Venn gives us his insight on the area.

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See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Theo concludes the We the Unhoused trip to the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference in July, and reflects on the conference's urgency on the heels of the Grant's Pass Supreme Court decision. 

He speaks with three interviewees, who share how they've turned their lived experience with being unhoused into advocacy for others -- Curtis Howard, Rachel Parker, and Tawanna Simpson share the state of advocacy from across the country.

Plus: California governor Gavin Newsom and San Francisco mayor London Breed begin the slow process of using Grant's Pass to punish local unhoused residents and destroy encampments in our Unhoused News Segment.

Learn more about the NAEH conference here:

https://endhomelessness.org/events/conferences/2024-national-conference-on-ending-homelessness-and-capitol-hill-day/

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Theo interviews unhoused Highland Park resident Cristy on the importance of organizing, building understanding, and building community power with the tenants movement. Theo also interviews Hawthorne resident Felipe about the injustices he endures, and organizers with Street Watch LA who set up a 'Power Up' phone charging table in Hawthorne.

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A new Dante's Inferno for the unhoused in the form of Special Enforcement Zone sweeps expanding across Los Angeles, courtesy of City Hall, LAPD, and the NIMBYs. But the community coming together to stand up to this inhumanity, blockading sweeps and providing mutual aid, including serving breakfast and providing motel rooms. In this special two hour episode, Theo interviews unhoused Van Nuys residents Angela and Shane, and unhoused Hollywood residents Jessica, Angel, Jimmie, and Hal. (pictured: Unhoused and housed community members come together to block an encampment sweep in the Hollywood enforcement zone)

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This is a follow up on the injustices done to Tiana Arata and the link to the past. We The Unhoused delves deeper into respectability politics used to silence the younger generation's efforts and bravery to bring that 'good trouble' that the late John Lewis talked about.

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This investigation into the police kidnapping of Black Lives Matter Activist Tannia Arata uncovered corruption and intimidation tactics employed by the San Luis Obisbo Police and prosecutors

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