From Flying a Sign to Leading Volunteers with Melissa Ludington | Episode 19 of Heavy Lifts Podcast

What actually helps someone get off the street?In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat sits down with Melissa Ludington, a former heroin addict who spent six hard years unhoused across California and Oregon and is now the Volunteer Coordinator at Union Gospel Mission in Salem.Melissa walks us through her story:▸ Growing up in Bend after a tragic car accident left her mom disabled▸ Being overmedicated as a teen, then sliding into street drugs, alcohol, and heroin▸ Losing her daughter, her apartment, and everything she owned in 15 minutes▸ Hitchhiking, nearly being trafficked, SWAT at her door (twice), and Grand Theft Auto▸ How a pair of socks, a hot meal, and someone remembering her name began to change her lifeTogether, Nat and Melissa dig into the messy realities of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.If you’ve ever driven past a camp, seen someone flying a sign, or wondered what actually works… this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your empathy.Connect with us!Nat: @natborchers on Instagram▸ @backlinerealestate on Instagram▸ www.backlinerealestate.com#HeavyLiftsPodcast #SalemOregon #Homelessness #AddictionRecovery #OregonStories