The podcast, Housing Last, emphasizes systematic factors rather than personal responsibility of the existing narratives about homelessness. The following episodes feature unhoused people and their views on everything from our economic system to how policy decisions can solve housing crises to mental health of unhoused populations. We want to extend our thanks to the founder of Housing Last, Matvei Mozhaev, and for all the work by Madison Commons reporter and Housing Last collaborator Amelia Geis.
Episode 1: Binding The Beacon
As homelessness is worsening across the country, the community of Madison's largest daytime shelter, the Beacon, is reflecting on what makes their connections so precious and precarious.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev
Episode 2: Housing Last
Overviewing the root causes of the housing crisis in Dane County, this episode explores how the lack of housing impacts to the homeless communities and the organizations that support them.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev
Episode 3: From Down Here
Four individuals currently experiencing homelessness (joined by an ally) host a round table discussion on what struggles they face and what keeps them together. Featuring Bre, Fox, Carveal, Jack, and Morgan.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev
Episode 4: Can You See Us?
What causes people to become chronically houseless in Dane County? This episode explores how the cracks in the service system push people into an environment of perpetual despair.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev and Kristen Bonano
Episode 7a: Rooting Solidarity-Based Ecosystems
We've outlined the state of homelessness in Dane County with the first 6 episodes. While there is much more to uncover, we wanted to expand our communal network and invite 5 collectives from Boston and Minneapolis areas to share their blueprints for creating resilient, compassionate networks of communal support. Featuring WarmUp Boston, Witch City Action, Freedom Fighters Coalition from Boston, Community Kitchen Minneapolis, and Sister's Camelot from Minneapolis. Additional comments from Carveal, Peter, Pearl, and Brad from here in Dane County.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev, Isabelle Dunai, and Kristen Bonano
Episode 7b: Solidarizing Upward Resilience
As oppression avalanches, solidarity-based collectives refuse to surrender to burn out. In this episode, we explore how five collectives (WarmUp Boston, Freedom Fighters Coalition, Witch City Action, Community Kitchen, and Sister's Camelot) persevere and bloom no matter the circumstance.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev, Isabelle Dunai, and Kristen Bonano
Episode 8a: Like a Rolling Stone
Every experience of homelessness is unique, and certain demographics are impacted greater than others. In this episode, host Amelia explores one vulnerable population: unhoused elders.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev, Amelia Geis, and Kristen Bonano
Episode 8b: No Safety Net for Elders
Elders easily fall into chronic homelessness. This episode explores the lack of resources to help elders climb out.
Contributors: Matvei Mozhaev, Amelia Geis, and Kristen Bonano
