They’re Just Like Us: Seeing the People Behind Homelessness

Homelessness can happen to anyone—and its impact on health is profound. In this sobering conversation, Union Gospel Mission CEO Pam Stegora-Axberg talks about the realities of homelessness, the health consequences we don’t see, and the simple ways we can all offer hope. Key Takeaways Mental health and substance abuse are often root causes. These struggles can destabilize jobs, housing, and relationships—and without support, can quickly spiral into homelessness. People experiencing homelessness are “just like us.” They want to be seen, known, and called by name, and often, they are just as wary or afraid of us as we might be of them If you wonder how to help, start small. Hope often begins with a meal.Offering a Ticket of Hope from Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities invites someone to have a hot meal and take a first step toward support. Here's a link: https://www.ugmtc.org/toh/ If you don’t live in the Twin Cities, go on line to see how you can support a shelter in your area. Community has a role to play. Homelessness is not just an individual problem—it’s a community problem. From healthcare providers to neighbors, businesses to families, we all share responsibility for supporting the most vulnerable and building pathways out of homelessness Links: Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities: https://www.ugmtc.org/ CDC Statistics on homelessness: https://www.cdc.gov/homelessness-and-health/about/index.html ArcHealth Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.archellemd.com/newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/speakupforyourhealth⁠⁠ #PatientAdvocacy #HealthcareAccess #EmpoweredPatient #PatientExperience #HealthPodcast #speakupforyourhealth #PatientJourney #HealthcareStories #homelessness #socialdeterminants #uniongospelmission #philanthropy .