This episode sheds light on Housing First, a transformative approach to homelessness that provides immediate, stable housing as the first step to rebuilding lives. Our guest speakers, Shyla Crowder and Ashlee Rountree co-managers of RCF Connect's new Housing First Initiative, discuss who benefits most from this model, the challenges faced by those transitioning into stable housing, and the wraparound support services needed for lasting success. From mental health and addiction support to community-building and employment assistance, we unpack what it truly takes to empower individuals and families on their journey to stability. Tune in for an insightful conversation on how housing can be the foundation for hope, dignity, and opportunity.

Learn more about Housing First

OUR HOST:

Suzettte Chaumette, Public Healtth Expert, Founder of FoodIndy and professional podcaster. Find out more about Suzeete on her website - ⁠BeFoodIndy.com⁠ and check out her ⁠LinkTree.⁠

THIS SEASON's SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by the generous sponsors of our second season of Unpack the Real Stuff -- ⁠Miocar.org.⁠ Miocar, shaping the future of clean transportation!

Our host Suzette Chaumette and our guest Marco Lemus dive into the roots of Urban Tilth, a transformative program in Richmond, CA, dedicated to building community health and resilience through food. Our guest speakers explore Urban Tilth’s mission to empower residents to grow their own food, reclaim food sovereignty, and champion food justice in the heart of Richmond. From sharing tips on nutrition to addressing how food systems influence community well-being, they reveal how communal gardens can nurture more than just plants—they nurture connection, self-care, and shared knowledge. Tune in to discover how Urban Tilth is seeding a future where food unites, sustains, and heals. LEARN MORE about Urban Tilth.

OUR HOST:

Suzettte Chaumette, Public Healtth Expert, Founder of FoodIndy and professional podcaster. Find out more about Suzeete on her website - ⁠BeFoodIndy.com⁠ and check out her ⁠LinkTree.⁠

THIS SEASON's SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by the generous sponsors of our second season of Unpack the Real Stuff -- ⁠Miocar.org.⁠ Miocar, shaping the future of clean transportation!

In this episode, our host Suzette Chaumette explores the transformative impact of coaching and mentoring for Black girls, unpacking the importance of safe spaces where they can express vulnerability, find their voices, and challenge the bias of adultification. Our guests Kamela Stewart (Embodied Leadership Coaching) and Taylor Sims (Equity for Black Women and Girls Initiative) discuss the power of creating environments where Black girls can explorre questions often overlooked, receive encouragement to speak up, and embrace self-compassion.

Join us as we delve into the ways coaches are nurturing self-confidence, resilience, and authentic self-expression, guiding young Black girls to not only see but claim their worth in a world that too often silences them.

LEARN MORE:

Equity for Black Women & Girls Initiative

Embodied Leadership Coaching

OUR HOST:

Suzettte Chaumette, Public Healtth Expert, Founder of FoodIndy and professional podcaster. Find out more about Suzeete on her website - BeFoodIndy.com and check out her LinkTree.

THIS SEASON's SPONSOR:

This episode is brought to you by the generous sponsors of our second season of Unpack the Real Stuff -- Miocar.org. Miocar, shaping the futue of clean transportation!

Did you know that Richmond, CA residents can access electric vehicles for as low as $4 and hour or $35 a day? Yes. It's called carsharing and it allows you to access a vehicle, pass traffic on the freeway by using the carpool lane and saves money on gas! How can this be?

Well, join our host Suzette Chaumette as she interviews Rachel Heckl (Director of Strategic Expansion for Miocar.org), Gloria Huerta (Chief Operating Officer for Miocar.org) and Saundra Wallace (Richmond resident and Miocar.org user) as they discuss this new carsharing program for Richmond residents, how to access these vehicles and explain just how easy it is to use.

We promise, that by the end of this episode, you'll see why it's just a smart decision to register every person with a driver's license in your home with Miocar's carsharing service. Also, listen to the end to get a great money-saving deal that you just can't pass up!

Try out the service by visiting the Miocar Community Page.

This episode is brought to you by the generous sponsors of our entire second season of Unpack The Real Stuff: Miocar.org in partnership with Transforms EV Share Program, City of Richmond, California Climate Investments and California Energy Commission's Clean Transporation Program.

Miocar, shaping the future of clean transportation!

In this episode, we are exploring Guaranteed Basic Income and how it will transform communities, and help folks live a life of dignity. Suzette Chaumette talks with Marianna Moore and Loren Dalbert about how instituting this type of program will uplift our entire populace. We talk about the arguments against Guaranteed Basic Income, comparing the terms bailouts and handouts, how should we collectively spend our money as a nation, and even more provocative conversation about this topic.

Join our host Suzette Chaumette and our guests Jim Becker & Alvin Lewis of the Richmond Housing Renovation Program as they explore homeownership and how RHRP is making homeownership a possibility for folks in the East Bay. We talk about why home ownership is so important, especially for our BIPOC neighbors.   The challenges that come up for those seeking homeownership and the solutions we have found to give folks better access to "the American Dream" - owning their only little piece of America.

Learn more about  Richmond Housing Renovation Program

Sign up to be part of the homebuyer's Program through SparkPoint Contra Costa or Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services

Learn more about RCF Connects 

Brought to you by our Sponsors:  Cal Bank & Trust -- Bridge Storage & Artspace -- Kit for Living Personal & Professional Coaching 

Recorded in the podcast studios of CoBiz Richmond, 1503 MacDonald Avenue, Richmond CA

In today’s episode, Suzette Chaumette talks to Erica Yanez and Dante Miguel from Healthy Contra Costa (formerly known as Healthy Richmond).  They explore how we transfer power to residents of Contra Costa that have historically had very little power or input in decisions and policies made at a local level. How do we get the average resident involved to speak up about the issues that we care about i.e. housing, gentrification, food security, safety and healthcare.  How do we transfer power to marginalized Contra Costa residents that change the current system and provide equity to everyone in our community?

Learn more about Healthy Contra Costa by visiting their website.

Learn more about RCF Connects 

Brought to you by our Sponsors:  Cal Bank & Trust -- Bridge Storage & Artspace -- Kit for Living Personal & Professional Coaching  - Mechanics Bank

Recorded in the podcast studios of CoBiz Richmond, 1503 MacDonald Avenue, Richmond CA

Join our host Suzette Chaumette and our guest Taylor Sims, Program Director of RCF's new initiative Equity for Black Women and Girls as they explore why it is essential to focus on the needs of Black Women and Girls in Contra Costa County.  They explore the issues, problems and challenges that are specific to Black Women and Girls in the county and what we should do about it.

Equity for Black Women & Girls is an awareness campaign to help inform the public of the inequities experienced by an essential segment of our community.  The goal of these efforts is to ensure Black Women & Girls gain access to resources that can help them overcome and change current policies, practices, and attitudes that are the root causes of the inequities that we see today.

Learn and/or donate to the Equity for Black Women & Girls Campaign

Remember to Register to Vote <-- click here to that online (it's easy and simple)

Learn more about RCF Connects 

Brought to you by our Sponsors:  Cal Bank & Trust -- Bridge Storage & Artspace -- Kit for Living Personal & Professional Coaching 

Recorded in the podcast studios of CoBiz Richmond, 1503 MacDonald Avenue, Richmond CA