Episode 3: The Power of Home – Breaking Barriers: Mental Health and Homelessness

In this episode of The Power of Home, we observe Mental Health Awareness Month and dive into the crucial intersection of mental health and homelessness. Host Lara Pukatch is joined by Wesley Thomas, an advocate with firsthand experience of homelessness, who shares his powerful story and the importance of a well-resourced street outreach network. Wesley discusses the stigma surrounding mental health and homelessness and why it’s essential to break these barriers to truly support individuals on their journey to stability.

Later, we hear from Dana White, Director of Advocacy at Miriam's Kitchen, who leads The Way Home Campaign. Dana talks about the campaign's success in influencing D.C.'s budget to prioritize funding to end chronic homelessness and shares the challenges ahead as we approach the FY26 budget season.

Tune in to learn how mental health plays a central role in the fight to end homelessness, and how you can help support the critical work of The Way Home Campaign.

Listen now and join us in the effort to create lasting change for our unhoused neighbors.

The Power of Home is brought to you by Miriam’s Kitchen, a nonprofit working to end homelessness in Washington, D.C

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