The Humanity of Homelessness

You’re Safe Here: Ruth Kruger on Creating Spaces to Breathe

In this episode, John Marshall sits down with peer support specialist and former Episcopal priest, Ruth Kruger, to trace a powerful arc from childhood trauma and poverty

Nurse, Mother, Fighter and Migrant Fields to Master Gardener: The Many Lives of Juanita Savoy‑Nash

At 6 years old, Juanita Savoy‑Nash was sleeping under a pickup truck, working fields for food, and going to school in clothes that smelled like the mattress she shared wi

From Parks to Programs: How Megan Perez Found Her Voice

At 16, Megan Perez grabbed the clothes on her back, boarded a train from Los Angeles to Salem, and stepped into a safe house closet that became her bed—and the start of a

I Chose Me: Michelle’s Path to Sobriety and Stability

In this episode, John Marshall sits down with Michelle Barnes, a former Church at the Park staff member whose journey has taken her from a chaotic childhood in Salem, thr

Many Pathways, One Community - Reimagining Engagement in Salem: Sterling Cunio: Part II

In this part two conversation with Church at the Park staff member Sterling Cunio, the Humanity of Homelessness digs into a single, urgent question: what does meaningful

Life After Consecutive Life Sentences: Sterling Cunio: Part I

In this episode of The Humanity of Homelessness, John sits down with writer, organizer, and former Church at the Park storyteller Sterling Cunio to trace a life that span

Recovery in Real Time: Building a Life After Addiction

Join us for a powerful conversation with Bill Hardman, a staff member at Church at the Park’s family shelter site in Salem, Oregon. Bill shares his journey through decade

Finding Strength in Hard Places: Patrick’s Testimony on Homelessness

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Patrick Geier, a participant in Salem’s Safe Parking program. Patrick and his wife, Chantel, journeyed to Salem in search of s

A Mother's Faith: Aurora Granado on Breaking Cycles and Building Hope

In this powerful episode of "The Humanity of Homelessness," we sit down with Aurora Granado, a single mother of five whose story is a testament to resilience, faith, and

Connection & Belonging: Kyle Dickinson on Leading With Heart

In this episode of The Humanity of Homelessness, we sit down with Kyle Dickinson, the executive director of Salem Leadership Foundation. Kyle shares his personal journey—

Rekindling Hope: Stories of Addiction, Recovery, and Redemption with Paul Fairchild

In this heartfelt episode of The Humanity of Homelessness podcast, host John Marshall sits down with Paul Fairchild, a case manager at Church at the Park’s family shelter

Building Bigger Tables: Ben McBride on Belonging, Empathy, and Community Healing

In this episode of The Humanity of Homelessness, host John Marshall sits down with internationally recognized peacemaker, faith leader, and activist Ben McBride. As co-fo

Forgiveness, Family, and Finding Your Place: Lessons from Maria’s Journey

In this powerful episode of The Humanity of Homelessness, John Marshall sits down with Maria Madariaga, Director of Programs at Church at the Park, for an honest and deep

A Table for Everyone: DJ Vincent and the Origins of Church at the Park

In our inaugural episode of "The Humanity of Homelessness," we sit down with DJ Vincent, founding pastor and CEO of Church at the Park in Salem, Oregon. DJ shares the rem

Podcast Trailer

Welcome to The Humanity of Homelessness, a podcast from Church at the Park in Salem, Oregon. In each episode, we hear from a member of our community who is experiencing o