UnHoused & UnFiltered | MCAH's Podcast on Homelessness & Housing

UnHoused & UnFiltered | MCAH's Podcast on Homelessness & Housing

di Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness
No-ProfitGoverno
Stagione 1
HUD Watch: The $108 Million Question — What the New Federal Funding Rules Mean for Michigan
In Episode 10 of UnHoused & UnFiltered, hosts Nick Cook and Sarah Prout-Rennie take an in-depth look at the newly released federal Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and why they believe it represents one of the most significant threats to Michigan's homeless response system in decades. They explain how the proposed changes could fundamentally reshape how homelessness services are funded, potentially placing between 3,500 and 5,000 currently housed Michiganders at risk of returning to homelessness while limiting services for thousands more. The discussion explores the shift away from permanent supportive housing, new definitions of self-sufficiency, expanded treatment requirements, and how rural communities could be disproportionately impacted by the new scoring criteria. Nick and Sarah also examine concerns surrounding harm reduction, disability eligibility, encampment policies, and the growing challenges facing older adults, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. They discuss the ongoing legal challenges surrounding HUD's implementation of the funding process and why these changes extend beyond policy differences into questions of federal authority and constitutional law. The episode also highlights MCAH's estimate that Michigan will need approximately $30 million in state funding to help stabilize housing programs and reduce the impact of anticipated federal funding losses. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize that homelessness is driven by housing affordability, economic pressures, and limited resources—not personal failure—and encourage listeners to engage with their elected officials, support local homeless service providers, and advocate for evidence-based solutions that keep people safely housed.
S1 · E10
7 lug 2026
45:36
HUD Watch: Faith, Funding, and the Future of Homeless Services
This episode of UnHoused and UnFiltered takes a hard look at the increasingly alarming statements and policy signals emerging from HUD surrounding the delayed Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process and what many providers fear could become a dramatic reshaping of federal homelessness response systems. Hosts unpack recent rhetoric questioning long-standing evidence-based practices like Housing First, alongside growing emphasis on faith-based service delivery providers and new priorities that could fundamentally alter how homelessness services are funded and delivered.
S1 · E7
27 mag 2026
45:42
Budget Battles: Defense Dollars and Domestic Cuts
This episode breaks down the latest federal budget proposals and what they could mean for communities across the country. Director of Public Policy Nick Cook unpacks the unprecedented increase in defense spending alongside the proposed 10% reductions across nearly every other area of federal funding, exploring how these shifts reflect changing national priorities. The conversation reviews the housing related line items expected and examines what these cuts could mean for local governments, nonprofits, and everyday people already navigating economic instability.
S1 · E6
19 mag 2026
43:38
Surviving Outside: Street Outreach, Injury, and Isolation
What does unsheltered homelessness look like right now on the ground? In this episode, Khadja Erickson (https://trcmm.org) joins the pod to discuss direct street outreach, the changing landscape of encampments, the growing health risks and other challenges facing people surviving outdoors. From chronic injuries and untreated medical conditions, Khadja explains how street outreach teams are responding to increasingly isolated situations with limited resources. The conversation also highlights the rise in young families and children experiencing homelessness and the growing challenges communities face in meeting their needs via street outreach (with very limited funding). This episode offers an honest look at the realities many communities never see — and why the need for housing, outreach support, and coordinated solutions continues to grow.
S1 · E5
9 mag 2026
43:24
From Support to Surveillance: The Expanding Role of Veteran Guardianship in Homelessness Response System
This episode unpacks a controversial new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs—and what it signals for the future of homelessness policy, particularly for veterans. At the heart of this conversation is a fundamental policy question: should homelessness and disability-related vulnerability be met with expanded systems of care and housing support, or with increased legal control over individuals’ lives? Director of Public Policy (and former Army Major Nick Cook) uses his 13 years of active duty to share his unique military perspective. Senior Director of Advocacy and Engagement (and attorney) also maps out the legal implications and clarifications. Summary of Memo of Understanding from the National Low Income Housing Coalition
S1 · E4
22 apr 2026
45:02
No Safe Place to Stay: How Abuse Drives Women and Children Into Homelessness
In this episode, guest Johanna Kononen (Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence) explores the critical link between domestic abuse and sexual assault and the disproportionate rates of homelessness among women and children. She discusses how unsafe home environments often force individuals to flee with little to no resources, leaving them vulnerable to housing instability. The conversation highlights the systemic gaps in support services, the challenges survivors face in securing safe and stable housing, and the importance of trauma-informed approaches. Johanna also underscores the need for stronger community responses and policy solutions to prevent homelessness before it begins.
S1 · E3
29 mar 2026
45:29
How Does The Public Benefits Changes In H.R. 1 Impact You & Your Clients?
Join attorney Elly Jordon from the Michigan Poverty Law Center as she outlines the public benefits changes as a result of the 2025 H.R. 1 (formerly the Big Beautiful Bill) and how these changes impacts you and your clients.
S1 · E2
18 mar 2026
46:42
Season One: Episode 1. The Launch of MCAH's Podcast
Meet hosts Sarah Prout Rennie, Director of Advocacy and Engagement and Nick Cook, Director of Public Policy. They will introduce themselves and their vision for this podcast. And why the time is NOW for MCAH's newest offering!
S1 · E1
16 mar 2026
42:02
Justice Beyond the Courtroom: How Street Democracy Is Changing Lives One Case at a Time
Episode Summary: A single legal mistake, unpaid fine, missed court date, or minor offense can create barriers that follow someone for years—impacting employment, housing, transportation, and stability. In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered, we sit down with Felicity Tyll from Street Democracy to explore how a dedicated team of attorneys and legal advocates is working to change that reality. Felicity shares how Street Democracy is transforming access to justice through innovative programs including Street Court, legal concierge services, and system-change advocacy designed to remove legal barriers before they become lifelong obstacles. We discuss the intersection of homelessness and the justice system, why seemingly minor legal issues can spiral into housing instability, and how proactive legal support can help people maintain employment, secure housing, and avoid deeper involvement in the criminal legal system. This conversation shines a light on the power of legal advocacy, the importance of second chances, and the growing movement to ensure that one legal misstep does not permanently alter the course of someone's life. Whether you're a service provider, advocate, policymaker, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into the role justice reform plays in creating pathways to stability and opportunity. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation as we explore solutions that help people move forward—not remain defined by their past.
25 giu 2026
35:41
From Surviving to Leading: Youth Homelessness Through the Eyes of Experience
In Episode 8 of UnHoused and UnFiltered, we sit down with youth homelessness advocate and leader Azaria Terrell to explore the realities facing young people experiencing homelessness in Michigan and beyond. Drawing from both her lived experience and her extensive work on youth advisory boards and advocacy initiatives, Azaria offers a powerful perspective on the barriers young people face while navigating homelessness, housing instability, and systems designed to support them. The conversation examines the connection between foster care involvement and youth homelessness, the challenges created by limited transitional supports, and the critical importance of ensuring young people have access to stable housing, trusted adults, education, employment opportunities, and community connections. But this episode is also about hope. Azaria highlights the resilience, innovation, and leadership of young people who are shaping solutions and changing systems. As a recognized leader across Michigan, she shares lessons learned, promising practices, and what policymakers, service providers, and communities can do to better support youth on their path to stability and success. This is a candid and inspiring conversation about lived experience, leadership, and why investing in young people today creates stronger communities tomorrow. Listen, learn, and join us as we elevate the voices of youth who are not only surviving homelessness—but helping lead the movement to end it.
12 giu 2026
43:46