“We the Unhoused” Podcast Amplifies Voices Amidst Growing Crisis of Houselessness

As the crisis of houselessness deepens across the United States, one podcast is working to center the voices of those directly impacted: “We the Unhoused.” Created by Theo Henderson, the podcast provides a platform for unhoused individuals to share their stories and challenge dominant narratives surrounding poverty and displacement.

From Personal Experience to Powerful Platform

Theo Henderson launched “We the Unhoused” in 2019 while experiencing houselessness himself in Los Angeles’s Chinatown. His own journey into houselessness began in 2013 after losing his job and facing mounting medical debt related to diabetes. Recognizing a gap in media representation, Henderson sought to create a space where unhoused individuals could speak for themselves, free from exploitation and judgment.

Documenting a Rising Crisis

When Henderson began documenting the experiences of himself and his neighbors, approximately three people were dying on the streets of Los Angeles County each day. Recent public health data from 2024 reveals this number has tragically doubled to six deaths per day, highlighting the escalating urgency of the crisis.

Beyond the Stereotypes

Henderson emphasizes that mainstream media often portrays unhoused individuals through limited lenses, focusing on substance use and mental illness while overlooking the complex circumstances that contribute to houselessness. “We the Unhoused” aims to counter these stereotypes by sharing diverse stories and revealing the dignity of individuals facing systemic challenges.

Bipartisan Policies and the Criminalization of Houselessness

Henderson’s function has garnered attention from major media outlets, including the BBC, Los Angeles Times, VICE, and CNN, and in 2022, he was named activist-in-residence at the UCLA Luskin Institute on Inequality and Democracy. He argues that both Democrats and Republicans contribute to a “war on the poor” through policies like anti-camping ordinances, which he likens to “the new Jim Crow.” These ordinances criminalize houselessness, leading to fines, arrests, and the displacement of vulnerable populations.

Concerns Over Involuntary Treatment

Henderson has voiced concerns about recent federal initiatives, such as former President Trump’s proposed executive order and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s STREETS Initiative, which aim to address houselessness through involuntary mental health and drug treatment. He fears these policies could lead to the warehousing of unhoused individuals and the suppression of their voices.

The Role of Business Improvement Districts and AI Diagnostics

Henderson as well points to the influence of business improvement districts (BIDs) and the potential dangers of using AI-powered medical diagnostics for unhoused populations. He draws parallels to the Tuskegee experiment, raising concerns about the potential for exploitation and inadequate care within a vulnerable community.

Supporting Mutual Aid Networks

Henderson highlights the importance of mutual aid networks like J-Town Action and Solidarity, which provide direct support to unhoused individuals and advocate for systemic change. He encourages listeners to support these organizations and to educate themselves about the realities of houselessness.

Listening to “We the Unhoused”

“We the Unhoused” is available on iHeartRadio and Pandora, as well as on Facebook and YouTube. Henderson encourages listeners to take the time to hear the stories of unhoused individuals and to challenge their own assumptions about poverty and displacement.