#197 iChange Justice Podcast- Journey through Homelessness and Prison to helping others. with special guest John Fitzpatrick.

This week on the iChange Justice podcast, we're joined by John Fitzpatrick, a certified peer counselor with a unique perspective. John's journey began with a decades-long struggle with the justice system, starting at age six. But after a long history of incarceration, he’s found a new path, dedicating his life to helping others as a street outreach worker.

John’s work in Longview, Washington, goes beyond simply offering a bed for the night. He's a living example of the "wraparound services" model, a holistic approach to helping people in need. He explains that true change comes from addressing the whole person—offering mental health and substance abuse counseling, employment assistance, and housing support, all guided by someone with lived experience like himself.

The conversation gets real about the challenges on the streets today, including the disconnect between political promises like "housing first" and the reality of limited funding and services. John also sheds light on the evolving relationship between law enforcement and the community. He works directly with police behavioral health units, bridging the gap and ensuring that people in crisis get the help they need rather than just a trip to jail.

Ultimately, John's story is a powerful reminder that change is a choice, but it's a difficult one. He challenges us all to get involved, even in a small way, by simply listening to people's stories and treating them with compassion. His message is a call to action for communities to support those who are trying to help themselves, creating a network of support that can truly change lives.