A Formerly Homeless Person’s Guide for Journalists Covering Homelessness
In this powerful first episode of a three-part series on journalism and homelessness, we sit down with Shawn Pleasants, a Yale graduate and former business owner who experienced homelessness while living in a tent in Koreatown, Los Angeles. Shawn's life was dramatically impacted when a CNN story brought attention to his situation. This podcast goes beyond Shawn's personal journey—it's a vital training tool for journalists on how to cover homelessness with respect, empathy, and dignity.
Shawn shares his firsthand experiences with journalists and explains the importance of treating homeless people not as statistics or subjects, but as human beings. "If you're willing to tell our story, you need to meet us where we are. Sit with us, understand us, and be patient. That’s how you tell an authentic story,” he says.
This episode highlights why it’s essential for journalists to approach people with lived experiences of homelessness with compassion and understanding. Shawn reflects on how harmful narratives and disrespectful treatment can reinforce stigma, while respectful reporting can build trust and change lives. "The words you choose shape how people see us—and how we see ourselves."
By listening to the voice of lived experience, this episode provides invaluable lessons for journalists on how to report on homelessness in a way that honors the dignity and humanity of those affected. It’s not just a podcast for journalists, but for anyone looking to understand the deeper truths of homelessness and the power of storytelling to create change.
Video referenced in the podcast:
Ktown for All Helping Homeless People in Los Angeles’s Koreatown • Ktown for All Helping Homeless People in L...
Executive producer: Mark Horvath
Producer/editor/cinematographer: Alex Gasaway / alexgasaway
Associate producer: Erin McGinnis
Created by: Alex Gasaway and Erin McGinnis
YouTube Podcast https://bit.ly/4bHgCEu
Apple Podcast https://apple.co/4cckQ86
Spotify https://spoti.fi/3XyM98c
Amazon Music https://amzn.to/3zbPu39
iHeartRadio https://bit.ly/4cciTZy
More:
Illegal to Sleep: Grants Pass’ Cruel War on Homelessness • Illegal to Sleep: Grants Pass’ Cruel War o...
Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How (Spoiler: It's More Than Housing First) • Finland Solved Homelessness: Here's How (S...
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About Invisible People
There is a direct correlation between what the general public perceives about homelessness and how it affects policy change. Most people blame homelessness on the person experiencing it instead of the increasing shortage of affordable housing, lack of employment, childhood trauma, lack of a living wage, or the countless reasons that put a person at risk. This lack of understanding creates a dangerous cycle of misperception that leads to the inability to effectively address the root causes of homelessness.
We imagine a world where everyone has a place to call home. Each day, we work to fight homelessness by giving it a face while educating individuals about the systemic issues that contribute to its existence. Through storytelling, education, news, and activism, we are changing the narrative on homelessness.
This isn’t just talk. Our groundbreaking educational content reaches millions of people every month. Our real and unfiltered stories of homelessness shatter stereotypes, demand attention and deliver a call-to-action that is being answered by governments, major brands, nonprofit organizations, and everyday citizens just like you.
However, there is more work to be done on the road ahead. Homelessness is undoubtedly one of our biggest societal issues today and will only continue to grow if we don’t take action now.
Invisible People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to educating the public about homelessness through innovative storytelling, news, and advocacy. Since our launch in 2008, Invisible People has become a pioneer and trusted resource for inspiring action and raising awareness in support of advocacy, policy change and thoughtful dialogue around poverty in North America and the United Kingdom.