Nobody Chooses Homelessness

From Homeless to Pizza Mogul: The Inspiring Story of Hakki Akdeniz

In this episode, we sit down with the owner of Champion Pizza, Hakki Akdeniz, as he shares his incredible journey from homelessness to becoming one of the most successful entrepreneurs of our time. With almost 29 million Instagram followers and fans like Mike Tyson and Courtney Cox, Hakki's rise to success is truly remarkable.
We delve into his story in detail, from sleeping on park benches to spending nights in his pizzeria to owning a chain of pizzerias across New York City and Long Island. We also discuss his new documentary, "Hi...I'm Hakki Akdeniz," which tells his story of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
Hakki's story is a testament to the power of the American dream, and he shares his insights and lessons learned with us. Join us as we are inspired by Hakki Akdeniz, a true champion!
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Homelessness is not one size fits all pt. 2

This is the second half of our conversation with Mary Elizabeth Kyle, a director at The Grace & Mercy Foundation; she dives deeper into the stories that shaped her work in human services and helps us all unpack our narratives around homelessness. 
Her years of experience in human services and working with people experiencing homelessness have given her a unique perspective on how we can collectively serve those who are unhoused. 
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Homelessness is not one size fits all pt. 1

This week we talk with Mary Elizabeth Kyle, a director at The Grace & Mercy Foundation; she shares with us the nuance of homelessness and how her upbringing impacts the lens through which she comes to the conversation. 
Her years of experience in human services and working with people experiencing homelessness have given her a unique perspective on how we can collectively serve those who are unhoused. 
Download your free guide, click here:
https://cityrelief.org/podcast-download
Donate toward City Relief, click here:
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Advocacy & Homelessness Pt. 2

In part 2 of this conversation, Deborah Berkman breaks down the nuance of the public shelter options that people experiencing homelessness face; she shares what everyday people can do to make a difference. 
Deborah is a Coordinating Attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Public Benefits Unit and founded NYLAG’s Shelter Advocacy Initiative, providing representation to people experiencing homelessness. 
Deborah advocates for single adults and families to receive habitable emergency shelter and housing subsidies so that they may transition to permanent housing. 
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Advocacy & Homelessness Pt. 1

This week we talk with Deborah Berkman she is a Coordinating Attorney with the New York Legal Assistance Group’s Public Benefits Unit and founded NYLAG’s Shelter Advocacy Initiative, providing representation to people experiencing homelessness. 
Deborah advocates for single adults and families to receive habitable emergency shelter and housing subsidies so that they may transition to permanent housing. 
In this episode,  she dives into her passion for helping people and why it's important that we create systems that support people when facing life's biggest challenges. 
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Dismantling the homeless narrative pt. 2

This is part 2 of the conversation we had with City Relief's CEO Josiah Haken about what it takes to change the narrative around homelessness. People have many stereotypes about homelessness, and these assumptions can be unknowingly harmful.
In part two, Josiah encourages us to dismantle our preexisting belief systems and treat everyone we encounter with compassion and openness.
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Dismantling The Homeless Narrative Pt. 1

This week we talk with City Relief's CEO Josiah Haken about what it takes to change the narrative around homelessness. People have many stereotypes about homelessness, and these assumptions can be unknowingly harmful.
In this episode, Josiah encourages us to dismantle our preexisting belief systems and treat everyone we encounter with compassion and openness. He also delves into how helping people experiencing homelessness is an act of faith. 
Download your free guide, click here:
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Serving People From The Heart Pt. 2

Tune into the second part of this dynamic conversation with Tricia Philbert. She breaks down a program we call VIP. This program gives people experiencing homelessness the opportunity to serve their neighbors.The people who've participated as VIPs tell us they walk away from this experience with more self-worth and dignity, having been of service to other people.
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Serving People From The Heart pt. 1

In this episode, we talk with Tricia Philbert. She has been on the ground with City Relief for the past three years, helping people in crisis. Tricia is a Licensed social worker and Adjunct Professor at Nyack College and enjoys teaching and training young leaders in social work.
In the first half of her interview, she discussed how growing up in Brooklyn, and her life experiences prepared her heart to walk alongside people experiencing homelessness in an authentic way. 
This episode will inspire you to reimagine how your experiences could be the medicine for someone in need. 
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Wayne’s Story

Meet Wayne Batchelor; he shares his story of experiencing homelessness in New York City over the last few years. Wayne was seeking humanity from anyone during the height of the pandemic when many resources New Yorkers take for granted were unavailable.
His resiliency was awe-inspiring and left us imagining ways we could show more humanity to those we encounter experiencing homelessness.
Download your free guide, click here:
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Donate toward City Relief, click here:
https://cityrelief.org/giving
Volunteer with City Relief, click here:
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