Collaborative Solutions Podcast

Episode 35: Stone Soup for Systems Change - Building Regional Solutions to Homelessness with Josiah Haken

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, we welcome Josiah Haken to talk about how his organization addresses homelessness — not just locally, but regionally in New York & New Jersey. Josiah shares stories, insights, and real solutions that show what’s possible when communities step out of their silos and lead with humility, trust, and collaboration.
 
They remind us that solving homelessness isn’t about everyone doing the same thing—it’s about everyone bringing what they do have to the table. Like the story of Stone Soup, it’s about combining strengths, building a net—not just a patchwork—and lifting up every neighbor, whether housed or unhoused.
 
The message is clear: true change happens when we stop competing and start connecting. When we ask, "How can I make your job easier?" instead of "How do I get ahead?" This episode is a celebration of the idea that we are always better together—and that compassion, strategy, and community can bend even the hardest challenges toward justice.

Episode 34: Regional Solutions to Homelessness - Insights from Renee Cavazos on Houston’s Success

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford welcome and Renee Cavazos, Vice President of Homeless Response Systems in Houston, Texas. Renee shares how Houston has successfully reduced homelessness by 63% since 2011 through a coordinated entry system and regional collaboration with neighboring counties. The conversation explores how Lawrence and other Kansas communities can learn from Houston’s model, highlighting the importance of outreach, data-driven strategies, and strong partnerships to create long-term solutions for homelessness.

Episode 33: Could a Regional Approach Help End Homelessness Locally? Weighing the Possibilities

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, James Chiselom, and Brett Hartford explore Lawrence/Douglas County’s approach to prioritizing services for Douglas County residents, the challenges of homelessness policies, and the reality of individuals being dropped off from other areas. The discussion also considers whether a regional approach could be a viable strategy, examining how collaboration between communities, agencies, and housing resources might lead to more sustainable outcomes. The guests reflect on lessons learned, the importance of strategic partnerships, and the potential for broader systemic solutions. The episode underscores the urgency of action, the necessity of relationship-building, and the belief that homelessness in Kansas can be solved with the right systems in place.

Episode 32: Finding Solutions in the Streets: The Transformative Work of Lawrence’s Homeless Response Team

Barry Feaker and Misty Bosch-Hastings welcome Homeless Response Team members Dustin Moore from Artists Helping the Homeless and Steven Carter with the City of Lawrence to discuss the ongoing efforts to support unsheltered individuals, particularly during extreme winter weather. They dive into the impact of warming centers, emergency shelter expansion, and the unprecedented 66% reduction in unsheltered homelessness in Lawrence over the past year. The conversation highlights trust-building, individualized support, and collaboration across multiple agencies to remove barriers and help people transition into housing and stability.

Episode 31: Aging Into Homelessness - Addressing the Silent Crisis in Lawrence with Megan Poindexter

In this powerful episode of Collaborative Solutions, hosts Barry Feaker, Misty Bosch-Hastings, and Brett Hartford sit down with Megan Poindexter, Executive Director of the Senior Resource Center of Douglas County, to explore the vital work being done to support older adults in our community. As Lawrence and Douglas County prepare for a future where seniors will make up a significant portion of the homeless population, Megan sheds light on the essential resources, housing challenges, and systemic gaps that must be addressed to prevent a crisis. Join us for this eye-opening conversation about aging, resilience, and the path forward to creating a place for everyone in Lawrence.

Episode 30: Kelby Sanders – Peer, Clinician, and Advocate for Outreach, Recovery, and Real Change

On this episode of Collaborative Solutions, co-hosts Misty Bosch-Hastings and Barry Feaker sit down with Kelby Sanders, a peer, clinician, and outreach advocate with Mirror, Inc. Kelby shares his journey from lived experience to professional support, discussing the importance of meeting people where they are and removing barriers to recovery. He highlights the unprecedented approach of conducting Substance Use Disorder (SUD) assessments in the field, a groundbreaking model that ensures immediate access to care for individuals who might not otherwise seek help. The Homeless Response Team’s innovative approach is reshaping outreach by integrating harm reduction, mental health support, and real-time interventions in ways that have never been done before. Tune in to hear how this transformative work is making a tangible impact on homelessness, recovery, and community collaboration in Lawrence.

Episode 29: Ryan Sztorch - Crisis Response and Collaboration

In this episode of Collaborative Solutions, host Barry Feaker dives into a conversation with Ryan Sztorch, Senior Director of Crisis Services at Burt Nash Community Mental Health Center. Joined by Misty Bosch-Hastings and Brett Hartford, the discussion highlights the critical intersection of mental health, homelessness, and crisis intervention in Lawrence, Kansas.
 
Ryan shares his expertise in holistic care, mobile crisis response, and building trust-based collaborations to address systemic challenges. From expanding community partnerships to providing real-time solutions for vulnerable individuals, the episode showcases the power of teamwork in reshaping lives and creating sustainable change.
 
Tune in for an inspiring look at how Ryan and his team are advancing innovative solutions to some of the community’s most pressing issues.

Episode 28: Leading with Lived Experience - Kyle Roggenkamp’s Journey of Gratitude, Empowerment, and Community Impact

In this powerful episode, host Barry Feaker joins Misty Bosch-Hastings, Director of Homeless Solutions for the City of Lawrence, James Chisholm, Executive Director of the Lawrence Community Shelter, and Kyle Roggenkamp, CEO of the Ballard Center. Together, they explore the profound impacts of collaboration, empathy, and gratitude in addressing homelessness and fostering community transformation.
 
From winter shelters that offer safety and trust to trauma-informed childcare programs that nurture both children and their families, the episode highlights how a holistic approach creates ripples of change. Kyle shares his deeply personal journey from homelessness to leadership, reminding us of the importance of relationships, trust, and shifting from survival-driven egos to gratitude-driven action.
 
The episode challenges listeners to confront their perceptions, advocate for compassion, and move beyond criticism to contribution. It’s a call to action for communities to embrace the power of understanding, gratitude, and shared responsibility in building a better future for everyone.

Episode 27: Jonathan Smith - Bridging Gaps in Public Health for a Healthier Community

In the first Collaborative Solutions episode of 2025, host Barry Feaker joins Misty Bosch-Hastings, James Chiselom, and guest Jonathan Smith, Executive Director of Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health. The discussion highlights Jonathan’s journey and his commitment to serving underserved populations through innovative public health initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays and mobile outreach services.
 
Together, the group shares how their coordinated efforts advance the vision of A Place for Everyone. This inspiring conversation showcases how Lawrence-Douglas County is building a healthier, more inclusive community through trust, compassion, and action.

Episode 26: Serving Love - The Heart Behind the Jax Project

This episode of Collaborative Solutions celebrates Trina Tinsley, co-founder of the Jax Project, a grassroots effort born from her 8-year-old son Jax heartfelt question: “Why can’t we feed them dinner?” What began as a simple act of kindness has grown into a lifeline of love and care for those experiencing homelessness.
 
Every Sunday, Trina and her team serve hot meals, but their mission goes far beyond food. With the motto “We serve love with a side of food,” they build connections, offer hope, and remind people they matter. Now, the Jax Project is expanding to support newly housed individuals, ensuring they feel cared for as they adjust to stability.
 
Trina’s compassion and dedication remind us of the power of love in action. Her story is a beautiful example of how one small question can spark a movement that transforms lives and strengthens community.