Not That Different

What does neighborhood development have to do with homelessness?In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Ricardo León, President and CEO of the Cuyahoga Land Bank, to talk about one of the most important and often overlooked parts of the homelessness conversation: safe and affordable housing.Ricardo shares what the Cuyahoga Land Bank does, why its work matters, and how restoring vacant and abandoned properties can create safer neighborhoods, stronger communities, and more opportunities for stability. We talk about the connection between housing insecurity and homelessness, what happens when neighborhoods are left behind, and why community revitalization is about more than buildings — it’s about people.Ricardo also shares what drew him to this work, why he believes in it, and why partnering with The City Mission matters in addressing the deeper issues connected to homelessness.This conversation offers a broader look at how housing, community, and human dignity are deeply connected — and why stable housing is often where real change begins.Learn more about the Cuyahoga Land Bank:https://cuyahogalandbank.org/Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats

What does it look like to lead an organization serving people in crisis — and to stay connected to the heart behind the work?In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Linda Uveges, CEO of The City Mission. Linda’s journey began more than 20 years ago as a volunteer, and over time she has grown into the role of leading the organization — overseeing both Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center and Crossroads Men’s Crisis Center.In this conversation, Linda shares how The City Mission has evolved, what it takes to move someone from crisis to stability, and why long-term programming is essential to lasting change. She offers a unique perspective shaped by decades of walking alongside people in some of the hardest seasons of their lives.More than anything, Linda reminds us that behind every program, every policy, and every statistic are real people — people whose lives may look more like ours than we realize.This episode is a powerful look at leadership, compassion, and the belief that lasting transformation is possible.Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

Today, we’re talking with a local pastor and member of The City Mission’s Board of Trustees who recently spent time with our staff reflecting on the story of Philemon and what it teaches us about dignity, status, and the way we see others. His perspective helps us connect an ancient biblical story to the work we do every day serving people who are often overlooked or misunderstood.And through conversations like this one—and the many episodes we have planned—one truth continues to rise to the surface: we’re really not that different.To find out more about Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Pastor Stephen Owens go to: Mt. Calvary Baptist Church - Bedford, OH | Sunday Service 10 AMLearn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

What does real change actually look like?In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with two brothers who came through The City Mission during one of the most challenging seasons of their lives. Facing instability and uncertainty, they made the decision to step into the program and begin the hard work of rebuilding.Today, their lives look very different.Not only have they found stability, but they now work full time at The City Mission — walking alongside others who are in the same place they once were. Their story is one of resilience, growth, and the power of having people who believe in you when it’s hardest to believe in yourself.This conversation is a powerful reminder that change is possible — and that the people we serve are not so different from any of us. Sometimes, all it takes is the right support at the right time.Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

What does it really take to rebuild a life?In this episode of Not That Different, we sit down with Sarah Cody and Raquel Nashe, Workforce Development Specialists at The City Mission. Every day, they walk alongside residents who are stepping out of crisis and beginning the hard work of rebuilding — not just their résumés, but their confidence.We talk about what it looks like when someone enters The City Mission’s programs and starts preparing to re-enter society and the workforce. From overcoming employment gaps and rebuilding soft skills to navigating interviews and learning professional communication, Sarah and Raquel explain why writing a résumé is only about 3% of what they actually do.Because preparing for the workforce after experiencing homelessness isn’t just about finding a job — it’s about restoring dignity, stability, and belief.This conversation pulls back the curtain on what happens inside the Resource Center each day and reminds us of a powerful truth: Everyone is worth the effort.Learn more about the podcast, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/not-that-different-podcast/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe and share as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

In this episode of Not That Different, host Jaime Buxton sits down with Katie Skizenta, Intake Specialist at Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center. Katie is often the very first person women speak to when they call for help, hearing their stories in moments of fear, uncertainty, and crisis.Through her frontline perspective, Katie shares what homelessness really looks like right now — the job losses, medical emergencies, domestic violence situations, and sudden life changes that can quickly unravel stability. Her experience challenges common assumptions and reveals just how close many of these women’s lives are to our own.This conversation sets the foundation for the heart behind Not That Different: when we listen to real stories, we begin to see that we’re more alike than we think.Learn more, volunteer, or give at thecitymission.orgConnect with us at [email protected] The City Mission:Instagram: @thecitymissionFacebook: The City MissionSubscribe, share, and join us as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.

Why would a rescue mission start a podcast?In this introductory episode of Not That Different, host Jaime Buxton shares the heart behind the microphone. We explain who The City Mission is, what we do, and why we believe the conversation around homelessness needs to change.For over a century, The City Mission has walked alongside men, women, and children experiencing crisis — offering not just shelter, but long-term programming focused on recovery, workforce development, education, and restoration. But behind every program is a person. Behind every statistic is a story.This podcast exists to challenge assumptions, break down stereotypes, and remind us of a simple but powerful truth:The people experiencing homelessness are not “other.”They are parents, workers, neighbors — people whose lives took an unexpected turn.And if we’re honest, many of us are closer to crisis than we’d like to admit.In this episode, we share who we are, what makes our approach different, and where we believe this conversation can lead. Because when we truly listen, we begin to see it:You’re really not that different.Learn more, volunteer, or give:https://thecitymission.org/Connect with us:[email protected] The City Mission:Instagram — @thecitymissionFacebook — https://www.facebook.com/thecitymission/Subscribe, share, and join us as we continue uncovering the stories behind the stats.