From Flying a Sign to Leading Volunteers with Melissa Ludington | Episode 19 of Heavy Lifts Podcast скачать в хорошем качестве

From Flying a Sign to Leading Volunteers with Melissa Ludington | Episode 19 of Heavy Lifts Podcast

What actually helps someone get off the street? In this episode of Heavy Lifts, Nat sits down with Melissa Ludington, a former heroin addict who spent six hard years unhoused across California and Oregon and is now the Volunteer Coordinator at Union Gospel Mission in Salem. Melissa walks us through her story: ▸ Growing up in Bend after a tragic car accident left her mom disabled ▸ Being overmedicated as a teen, then sliding into street drugs, alcohol, and heroin ▸ Losing her daughter, her apartment, and everything she owned in 15 minutes ▸ Hitchhiking, nearly being trafficked, SWAT at her door (twice), and Grand Theft Auto ▸ How a pair of socks, a hot meal, and someone remembering her name began to change her life Together, Nat and Melissa dig into the messy realities of homelessness, addiction, and mental illness. If you’ve ever driven past a camp, seen someone flying a sign, or wondered what actually works… this conversation will challenge your assumptions and deepen your empathy. Connect with us! Nat: @natborchers on Instagram ▸ @backlinerealestate on Instagram ▸ www.backlinerealestate.com #HeavyLiftsPodcast #SalemOregon #Homelessness #AddictionRecovery #OregonStories