Today on Soft Power Radio, we are in conversation with Jessica and Melissa – two women who live in the Tent City on Commercial Row – as well as with Joakima, whose new initiative, United Federation of the Universe, focuses on outreach and support services to Reno’s unhoused community.

This episode is Part One of a new series of conversations with and about Reno’s houseless residents. As we enter a cold winter and, very likely, a severe economic recession, the question of community responsibility to those among us who struggle to find housing, employment, and whatever else they need to get by looms larger than ever. We’ll speak with people living on the street, nonprofits with innovative outreach programs, and local officials and community organizers. We hope these conversations will raise awareness about the realities of being houseless in Reno and offer you, the listener, opportunities to get involved in helping your community.