By Miriam’s Kitchen
In the latest episode of The Power of Home, we highlight powerful stories and proven solutions that bring us closer to ending chronic homelessness in Washington, D.C. Titled “The Path Forward – Housing, Compassion, and Women’s Stories,” this episode brings forward voices of lived experience and front-line advocates making real change happen.
Honoring Women’s History Month with Rachelle Ellison
To mark Women’s History Month, we begin with a moving conversation with Rachelle Ellison, a member of Miriam’s Kitchen’s Speakers Bureau. Rachelle courageously shares her journey through homelessness, how she overcame systemic challenges, and what it means to use her voice to advocate for others still navigating that experience.
Rachelle’s participation in the Speakers Bureau is a powerful reminder that those closest to the issue must be at the center of the solutions. Her insight and resilience speak not only to the importance of advocacy, but also to the strength of women who often face homelessness in silence and isolation.
“I want people to see that we are more than our circumstances,” Rachelle shares. “My story has power, and if it helps open someone’s heart or mind, then I’ve done something good.”
Housing First: Stability That Transforms Lives
The episode also explores the Housing First model, a proven strategy that prioritizes permanent housing as the first step—rather than the last—in addressing homelessness. Unlike traditional models that require individuals to meet certain conditions before being housed, Housing First operates on a simple principle: everyone deserves a home—no matter what.
To help us understand how this works in practice, we hear from Sara Taylor, who leads Miriam’s Kitchen’s Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program. Sara shares how the Housing First model not only helps people secure safe and stable housing but also sets the foundation for long-term success in other areas of life.
“Housing is not a reward for doing well – it is a necessity we all rely on,” Sara explains. “Once residents sign a lease, their homelessness ends. They can finally focus on their goals, their health, and their future. But it doesn’t end there.”
Through real-life examples and insight from the field, Sara paints a clear picture of how Housing First is transforming lives every day across D.C.
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Take Action:
We close the episode with an invitation for listeners to be part of the solution.
- Follow us on social media to stay updated and help amplify the stories of those working toward housing justice.
- Support Miriam’s Kitchen by making a donation to our development team. Your contribution fuels the programs that provide meals, housing support, and advocacy every single day.
This episode is a powerful reminder: housing ends homelessness, and stories like Rachelle’s prove why investing in people—not just systems—matters most.
Together, we can create a future where everyone has a place to call home.
