Episode #10: A Homelessness Hero (featuring Jerry Coffee)

Show notes:

Before I begin this 10th episode of this podcast expedition, I’m pausing for just a moment to take inventory. On the listening side, you’ve endured my dogs barking, musical chairs sound quality in echoing spaces, very long pauses while I collect my thoughts, lots of stuttering, and, uhm, too many uhm’s to count. On my side, I’ve endured unstable tech with some repeat interviews due to lost recordings, nerves surrendering to rough draft style speaking, and a fragile spirit vulnerable to the inner critic emerging from the corners of its dark cell within my cells. 

Progress! I’m caring less about the pauses, the mistakes, the “uhm’s” and the “that’s great’s.” I’m not editing out imperfections, extraneous noises, or things I wished that I could take back. Life is imperfect, and so are conversations. I’ve loved our gracious guests, their stories, insights, and surprises, and contributions to this world. And, I have loved your feedback, words of encouragement, and support. Thank you, and I look forward to the infinite list of wonderful people I’d like to host in the months years to come. 

Okay, on with the episode. 

While surely we are all tired of eating, breathing, living, and talking about the pandemic, we persevere because it's not over yet.  I’ll continue sharing its ongoing impact, especially, on those who cannot escape its grip, such as our homeless population, and essential workers. We heed their resilience and appreciate their work.

Queer eye kind and Will Feral funny, this episode’s guest becomes the adult in the room after the silliness wears off. 

He directs a nonprofit called Honolulu Institute for Human Services. He shares his experience running a Covid quarantine and a transitional respite home for the homeless population of Hawaii, where an estimated 5000 homeless individuals reside. 

Jerry Coffee is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who also co-founded with his wife, Allana, the Honolulu Psychology Collective, where they provide professional psychological counseling services. Jerry has been working for the last 30 years in mental  health in the state of Hawaii. 

I’m hand-standing to welcome Jerry Coffee to a Hat Tip for Hands!

Post Show Notes: I loved talking with Jerry about the challenges of homelessness during this precarious time, and the work he’s involved with to help improve the situation in Hawaii. My wife has known him her entire life, and I have had the pleasure of knowing him and his wife, Allana, since 1994. I appreciate all they do for their community, and the innovations that other communities could learn from.