In this second part of our "crisis in the unhoused" series, Maiya and Rick interview Dr. Robin Petering, founder of lensco.la, for more detailed discussion on the unhoused issue from ground level.   We find out how things have gotten so bad so quickly, despite the resources loosening up to help and how we can all help to better bring the issue into the light and what we can do in our own lives to improve the lives of those experiencing homelessness.

About the incredible Dr. Robin Petering!  She is the founder and CEO of Lens Co. Robin has worked in the field of youth homelessness since 2008. Starting as a street outreach worker in Oregon and then receiving her masters and doctorate in social work in Los Angeles at UCLA and USC. Dr. Petering’s academic research focuses on the impacts of the experience of homelessness on young people, and how to prevent them through innovative policy and program implementation. In 2018, she founded the organization Lens Co as a way to bridge the gap between community advocacy and data driven research. She oversees all projects at the organization and can tell you all the best places to sing karaoke in Los Angeles.

Robin has a lens on youth homelessness; innovative housing models; violence (interpersonal, intimate partner and gang); positive youth development.

if interested in helping Robin in any way with the great work they are doing at lensco, you can email her directly at robin@lensco.la

And if you want to help in direct ways, UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH, all DONATIONS AT THE WESTSIDE FOOD BANK (https://www.wsfb.org/phantomdinner/)

ARE MATCHED DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR at literally the most CRITICAL time in the food banks history.

And BIG SHOUT out to our show sponsors, the awesome new card game @rollorbounce and https://rollwithitorbounce.com

Also, we could not have launched properly without the BEST Tequila company in the business having our backs, the incredible EL CHRISTIANO!  Thank you guys so much for the support and make sure to get you some!!!
El-Christiano.com and @elchristianotequila

As always, love yourself and someone else.

See u next week...

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SLAP the Power is written and produced by Rick Barrio Dill (@rickbarriodill) and Maiya Sykes (@maiyasykes). Associate Producer Bri Coorey (@bri_beats), with assistance from Larissa Donahue. Audio and Video engineering and studio facilities provided by SLAP Studios LA (@SLAPStudiosLA) with distribution through our collective home for social progress in art and media, SLAP the Network (@SLAPtheNetwork).

If you have ideas for a show you want to hear or see, or you would like to be a guest artist on our show, please email us at info@slapthepower.com