October 28, 2025 • 30 mins
"She gave them a voice, and they opened their hearts. Listen as Alexa Southard, Digital Executive Producer at CBS, WHP-TV 21, shares her remarkable documentary about the residents of Harrisburg's Tent City and how they changed her life." Life inside the biggest homeless encampment in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania before it was cleared out
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hi, I am Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is Insight, a presentation of iHeartMedia where we really
do care about our local communities and all our listeners
who live here, whether you've been a regular listener of
this program or engage with me in a conversation off
the air about all the issues that are going on.
I always tell them, tell you take five minutes to
educate yourself upon an issue, because in doing so, you'll
(00:22):
find that things are not exactly the way you think
they are. One of those issues that has come up
repeatedly over the last couple of years is the public's
mistrust of the media. When I suggested taking those five
minutes to educate yourself about issues that concern you, well,
I should have gone a few steps further by helping
to discern what the best unbiased resources forgetting the facts
(00:44):
about an issue that are out there for you. Now
consider this. Many national news organizations have openly aligned themselves
with political movements or corporate backwards that place their loyalty
and influence above journalistic neutrality. This is in journal Listen,
this isn't aretortalizing real journals. Those who live by the
(01:05):
monitor that their personal opinion really doesn't matter, and that
mostly important. The most important part of their job is
to report the facts. You don't have to go far
to find people like this because you see them every
day in your local news channels. Typically, you can count
on local news to provide an unbiased account of state
and national news issues. But most important thing is that
(01:25):
you can remember that your local news outlets keep people
in our communities locally informed. They drive community involvement, and
they also hold our leaders responsible for their actions. Another
important thing to keep in mind is deep rooted. The
deep rooted presence of our local reporters in the communities.
Now listen, I'm sure you know a lot about them.
(01:45):
They have lived here for a number of years. Some
even raise their kids here. They continue their dedication and
it's a testament to their genuine equipment commitment to their audiences.
The stories they share with you aren't just headlines. They're
reflections of the nameighborhoods they call home. Today's guest is
especially special to me because at her young age, she's
(02:06):
already leading the next generation of journalists. Alexis Southard am
I saying your name right, Honey, Southern Southeast Okay. Southern
is an award winning television producer whose career continues to soar,
usually finding herself behind the camera and serving as a
digital executive producer at CBS twenty one News. She was
recently tapped into Phyllis an anchor, just a couple months
(02:29):
after joining the station, but her talents extend beyond the newsroom.
She's in Emmy a winning, a drone pilot, and a
mentor who's helping other producers earn their first st Emmys.
Most recently, she had a documentary producer to her growing
list of accomplishments, having completed a project that's already wracked
up thousands of abuse and you know what I said,
(02:51):
a whole lot of stuff. The bottom thing here is
WHP Channel twenty one has an amazing young woman working
for her.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
She's done.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
She kicks butt in every area that she's assigned. She
inspires me and inspires a whole lot of people in
this community. Now I got to ask you something, Alexa,
after that long, long, long thing years ago, I know
people like me, we want to be a journalist. It
was we typically had like a talent for writing. Were
(03:20):
I used to say, It's I'm nosy, but you know
you have to be nosy.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
But we reported on stories.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Usually they were I don't want to say human interest,
but they were things that impacted people's lives because we
thought at some point we could make a difference. And
I'll tell yeah, you really really made a difference with
this documentary. Let me ask you, first of all, what
initially attracted you to the field of journalism.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Well, at my time at Temple University, I got to
go to the television studios there and kind of started
branching out into t U TV a couple of programs there.
I actually first started working on a late night show,
which was a lot of fun, very different from you know,
the seriousness of news that that can that news can be.
(04:12):
But yeah, I think just seeing it and seeing the
fast paced nature really kind of drew me in. And
then when I started working for Temple Update or you know,
during my time at college, I was very interested in
how it all works. I mean, I've always been kind
of interested in consuming news, you know, even as a
(04:34):
young younger person, you know, teenage years and stuff like that,
I was very outspoken, and part of that is being informed,
I think as well.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Well, you know, one of the things that I think
is so cool too about you is you learned all
the technical and it wasn't that much of a big
deal when I was learning this stuff. I mean around here.
It's funny because I remember some of yell skills in
the building. Don't let her touch anything. She'll shut us
all down, which is true. Thank goodness I have Art
because this program won't be going on for so many
(05:05):
years without him. But women in technology, I think that's
a big deal. If I were going back into journalism,
I would tell them sometimes I'm ass to talk to kids,
high school kids, and I tell them, you better learn
how to write right right, right, right right, that's the
first thing. Okay, Now I would tell them, which I
know nothing about the field, but I'm sure you would too,
that you need to know the technical end of it, right.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
I mean a lot of time of mine is spent
editing and and doing those types of things and shooting,
you know, on different cameras and stuff like that. With
the documentary, obviously a lot of that was shot by me,
and then I had a great editor who kind of
you know, took that into her hands. Very thankful for that.
But you know, as a producer, I got my start
(05:50):
as a producer. And I think you said I was
I had something to do with the drone. I do not,
because that is what you did.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Forgive me. I of me.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
No, the drones, that is it's one of the technical
things that I have not learned yet. I would like
to though, But there's a lot of different you know,
it's a multifaceted thing when it comes to media technology,
So it's editing, it's shooting, all of those types of things.
And I did kind of get to work on those
skills in college. When I started at CBS twenty one,
(06:19):
I was a television producer, so I was every day
in a rundown picking the stories, writing the stories, you know,
working with our reporters and putting stuff in and timing
out the shows. And yes, very fast paced, but you
have to learn a couple different softwares and stuff like that.
So there was a bit of a learning curve, you know,
(06:41):
in terms of that because I you know, there's a
lot of people in this industry that are like I
knew when I was five years old that I wanted
to be a journalist, and yeah, and that wasn't.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
The case for me.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I did really get my start in college I think,
but learning all of the different you know, technology and
stuff like that, it makes you more versatile. So I
was able to do this documentary because I am able
to do the basics of shooting.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
I had a vision.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
So when I, you know, was getting all these interviews
and stuff like that, I knew how I wanted it
to come together. Some things I think are taught, some
things I think are instinct. Maybe a combination of both
for for everything. But yes, the technology part of it
is it's definitely interesting because it evolves.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Every all the time. It revolves everything.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Don't you like what don't I like?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
I got into this end of it because I wrote
for papers and stuff. But I'm like qu quick, quick,
quick quick, kind of like you. I like the immediacy
of things.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
I don't like being on camera, so I knew from
the beginning I didn't want to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
I didn't want to.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Be a reporter. Other than that, I mean, I really
like everything. I love the people part of my job,
So being a manager, I love managing my team. I
love those types of interactions that I get to have
with people. You know, young journalists starting out or more
experienced journalists that you know are able to help me
(08:13):
along the way in my journey.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Well, let me ask you this. When you hear people
I hear this all the time, media media me to
media media. You know, why is it the media? What
do you say to people? I tell him, don't watch
that crap, turn on your local news. That that's what
it's going to impact you.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
I think that sometimes there is a connotation about the
media as a whole, but it's not considered in terms
of local news. Like local news is very hyper localized.
You know, it's really the stories that matter to your community.
And I will say your communities are the ones that
are in mind when it comes to what comes across.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Well, I got to tell you I first found out
about it by somebody who is so dedicated to this community,
our buddy. Everybody loves Tom. Tom Russell is the best.
He He's always out.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
There doing something for the community.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
And where I thought, oh my gosh, let's get down
I'm talking about now he's on Facebook. I thought, I
got to get in touch with this girl. She's amazing. Well,
everybody apparently thinks you're amazing. That tell us about how
you found out about Tense City. What for those who
may not know it's been in the news for a
long time, But what is it and how did.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
You find out? What motivated you go check this out?
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Right?
Speaker 3 (09:24):
So, if you've ever been to Harrisburg, Tense City was
the homeless encampment that was down by the Pentot Building
right off of South Front Street, across from the river there,
right under the I eighty three bridge. So Tense City
was an encampment where a lot of people who were
unhoused all kind of congregated and created into a community. Honestly,
(09:49):
so I think at its peak, over I'm told over
one hundred and twenty people live there. When I spent
a lot of time there, it was more like sixty
seventy people, and we kind of watch those numbers dwindle
as the deadline approached. So there was a deadline set
for them to vacate the area because of the I
eighty three Bridge expansion project. So that project was going
(10:12):
right through ten City where all the people had their
tents and structures set up, so they had to go.
So the deadline was set, and then it was moved back,
and it was set and it was set back, and
then I believe it was September twenty second that it
was finally enforced. So yeah, there was a lot of
people that I met there.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
But there where did they move it to?
Speaker 4 (10:35):
So well, a lot of people, so they didn't.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
A lot of people moved to the Miracle Community, which
is on I guess it's South nine Street, kind of
right off of Cameron Street. But there are some people
that chose not to move there, so that option was
available to them, but not everybody took that opportunity. But
I will say that I got introduced to the whole
thing because we were talking about the expansion project and
(11:00):
Tens City, and I felt like a lot of times
we were hearing about, you know, when stuff would happen there,
like the fires or you know, a lot of people
saw that those types of stories. And then as the
deadline approached, it was a lot of talk about the
project and stuff, and we were talking in our news meetings,
and I think that there was one day where I
(11:21):
was just like, I want to go down there and
talk to people.
Speaker 4 (11:24):
I want to talk to the people who live there.
We've never really.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
What did the news director say to you?
Speaker 4 (11:29):
I mean, yeah, here's supportive.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
You know, I understand that guys are pretty you got
a pretty good boss.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Oh, yes, absolutely so.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And it wasn't to say that we haven't talked to
the people who lived there before, but it wasn't necessarily
about this project and about them having to move and
stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
You there must have been something in it that you
can't explain that you wanted to tell their story.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I just felt like I'm comfortable to put myself in
that position. And I viewed these people like they could
be my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, my
you know, not my son because I'm twenty seven, but
you know that type of thing where it's like for you,
(12:13):
you know, it could be somebody that you know and love.
So why kind of view them any differently from any
other story.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
I don't know many reporters that think of it that way,
and I think that's fantastic you do. It shows your
heart and that's another thing at the station that I
know people think you're awesome.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Were you scared going down well?
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You had been down there helping out with is another organization,
weren't you well, so.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
The Eclipse Project.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
I kind of shared my vision for this project that
I had, So when we decided that yes I could
go down there, my Assignment Desk editor Austin Winkler. He
put me in contact with the Eclipse Project because he
had some ties to them. The Eclipse Project is a
homeless outreach here that helps you know people at the area.
(13:00):
They served food and stuff like that. So I got
in touch with their coordinator and she helped kind of
introduce me to Tent City because she knew the vision
that I had for this project, kind of to highlight
the resourcefulness, to kind of be able to give these people,
like if they feel voiceless a voice.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
So she introduced me. Her name's Mi Sean.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
She introduced me to the first day I met her
was when I first started filming, So they were serving
food and I met her, and you know, first time
I met her, she gave me a hug, and you know,
we just kind of instantly connected. And that's kind of
how I got introduced to the area.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
When you first went down there and you knew that
you were going to film, how did you know, Like
did she say to you at some point talk to
John because he's a good talk I mean, how do
you do because John is the star you show pretty
much first of all, tell us.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
About him by this gentleman named John.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
John opened his home to us, and when I first arrived,
John had signs out front that said homeless veteran and
things like that. And you know when I first met him,
he pretty much welcomed us in right away. There was
(14:20):
a I don't want to see. So the Eclipse Project
was serving food. John loves mac and cheese, so they
have great mac and cheese that chef Eric makes and
he was bringing John the mac and cheese. So I
that's how we kind of met. It was and you'll
see in the probably one of the first videos, he
(14:40):
has a box of food in his hands.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
There's mac and cheese in there. Yeah, so that's his
comfort food.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
So we kind of met that way, and he, yeah,
he opened his place, and you know, from the beginning,
I felt comfortable.
Speaker 4 (14:56):
I didn't feel scared.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I let me ask you some of the things. I
wrote some of these things down when I watched the
Yeah your documentary about John.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
And what he had to say.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
He told you that has he had just lost his
wife a few months prior to that.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Years Yeah, no, but he he will say a lot
that it feels like yesterday.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Okay, and he's right.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
I'm Okay, this is something he said to you. We're
not all mental patients, we're not all drug addicts. We
choose to be away from people. Is that what you found? Uh?
Was the common dominator with a lot of people that
were there, that they just don't want to be bothered.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Yes, I think a lot of I mean I was.
I wouldn't say a majority, I wouldn't say a minority.
I think that there are people that are. There's a
certain appeal to being off the grid, and that's kind
of why they choose to be differently sheltered.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
I think that.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
But yes, and in what he was saying was we're
not all mental patients and we're not all drug addicts.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
That is true.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
I mean that, But that's the connotation of most people
out there, if they don't have if they don't take
this opportunity to watch your documentary, A lot of people
say all those people are all nuts down there, drug addicts,
and it's not the case.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
I mean, I think even if somebody who is addicted
or dealing with addiction issues is still worthy of compassion,
That's right, That's just how I feel. But yes, definitely
not it's not like Mishean always says, there's as many
stories as there are people, and there's and I personally
believe there's not a one size fits all kind of
(16:35):
solution to this or you know something like that.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
So well, I'll tell you something else that really surprised me.
He said.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
He said that he was in charge of everybody that
people would come to and want.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
To talk about that.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
But one thing that really surprised me is he said
he appreciates people coming and giving them food and clothing
and everything else, but he also thinks that some of
the people down there, it's by doing this, these organizations
are enabling them to stay in that situation.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
What do you think.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
I think that anything that helps someone, even temporarily, you know,
is a good thing. I do understand what the point
he was trying to get across there in terms of,
you know, there's always going to be people, regardless of
if they're homeless or not, that are gonna, you know,
abuse the situation in terms of like take things for
(17:29):
granted or take things for advantage, right, Like, people are
going to take advantage of things no matter what. You know,
It's just the type of persons.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Another thing is if some of the people down there
are depressed, and I'm sure a lot of them are.
When you're in that situation, you know that's how you feel.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Yeah, definitely, and I mean I think that. You know,
there's so many different layers to it. If somebody has
mental health problems, they might not be in the state
of mind where they know how to appreciate and not
take things for granted. You know, if there's a sense
of delusion or I'm not saying that that's the case
for a lot of these people, but you know it's
(18:08):
it's all situational, So.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
That's exactly right. He also is real proud when he said, good,
these are my people.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I protect him. What did he mean by that?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
When I was there, I definitely saw a lot of
people come to him for things.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
And from the beginning he told me I don't like people.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
You may hear me in one part where I say, well, John,
you say you don't like people, but sure a lot
of people do like you. And I asked him if
he likes that, because you know, if you think somebody
who doesn't like people, they don't want a lot of
people relying on them. He said he does like that
because you know, he helps supply their needs, and I
(18:46):
think no longer being there with his community and the
people that he considered to be his family. This is
all in his words obviously, but you know he definitely
misses the sense of community that well.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
He says that he doesn't go out and try to
help these people if they come to him, like his
buddy that he gave up what do you call a
thing to sleep and.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
He said he sleeps in my backyard. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
There was a man who had a tent that was
like inside of John's place. Yeah, so I watched people
come in like while we were filming and say like.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Hey John, do you have this? Or you know, do
you have this? Do you have can I have this?
And blah blah blah.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
That must do a lot for him though, Yeah, I
mean absolutely wow. He mentioned some of the things he
talked that he needs. Will they need down there? He said,
they need water, they need batteries, And you're with the organization,
you've become pretty quick tight with the Eclipse project that
provides food.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
They also need food. What else do you think they
need down there?
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Does anybody ever go through and try to any like
professional counsels or anything.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Do they go through there at all.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Yeah, so I think, I mean, granted, this place is
gone now, so you know, like it's hard to say
of what they need.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Now because there is totally down there.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I mean at Tense City. No, like it's it's pretty
much entirely wiped out. We flew our drone there not
too long ago. It's completely leveled where they go. So
a lot went to the Miracle Community and the needs
that they have their you know, some there there is
a pantry there, so there's you know, there's new resources
(20:26):
there where John left there. John is not at the
Miracle Community. But you know, I everybody has left because
pen Dot won't allow it and they will not even
pen pen Dot. But you know, Capitol Police are the
ones who enforced it. The city has said we will
not allow any pop up encampments and we will not
(20:46):
allow people back into Tense City what used to be
Tense City, which is now going to be the ID
three Bridge or expansion. You know, so they're all under
the Miracle Project. A lot of people, Yeah, could they go, Oh,
I don't know. I think I think some people I've
heard stories of some people, you know, being able to
get housing or you know, maybe families, you know, those
(21:10):
types of things. But there are a couple other you know,
resources for veterans. It's the tiny homes maybe if they
have availabilities or you know, there's a couple of different places.
But you asked about like outreach and in terms of
mental health and stuff like that. On the day of
the deadline, and this wasn't really in the documentary at all.
(21:31):
I went down there at four am because I heard
that Capitol Police were gonna we're starting to you know.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Turns out they didn't come until like not like maybe
eight or nine, but around eight, you know, the Human
services came and a couple crisis intervention folks and like
people from the county and stuff.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
Good. Well, I'll tell you. I know friend Charter. We
both know Friend Charter, a wonderful district attorney.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
It was his idea years ago when when people go
out when police are called, especially domestic violence, when they
go out, they need to take a mental health Yeah,
their worker with them. And that's been a wonderful help
to Dauphin County. And that's pretty much what you're saying.
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Yeah, so that they came, they didn't really want to
speak on camera, but we kind of I just kind
of watched everything kind of unfold. They Capitol Police and
the crisis intervention folks and people with the Homeless Coalition
all kind of walked through the encampment, and I know
(22:36):
that they were talking to people who were still in there.
So there was on that day of that deadline, there
was maybe a handful of people that were still there,
and I don't know what was said, you know, really,
but they I know at least were We're there and
talking to people who may have still been there. So
(22:59):
in terms of of, you know, what resources were provided
and stuff like that, I still want to reach out.
Speaker 4 (23:05):
It's just been busy.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Well I want to talk to you a little bit
more about when they still were and when it was
tense city. Didn't you tell me or saw in the film?
I'm not sure that a lady went into labor. Yes,
that just proves it. It's their community. They all saw
it as their community. They counted on each other.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Right right, Yeah, And that's kind of why a lot
of us say instead of homeless, we say like differently
sheltered or unhoused. So like, yeah, well not only that,
but to them, like the point being is they to them,
they have a home. That is their home, yes, you know,
and for those who are in the Miracle community, now
that's their home.
Speaker 4 (23:47):
You know.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
So when you hear people say like other different little
phrases and stuff, I think a lot of people are like, oh,
they're kind of sugarcoating it. No, it's it's because to them,
these people, they have a home. Yeah, it just looks
different from the house that you live in or the
apartment that I live in, or whatever you want to
call it.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Well, even John said he doesn't have to be there, Yeah,
he can't afford to go back and get get in
a house and an apartment, but he chooses to be there.
Speaker 4 (24:13):
Yeah, I mean he belongs.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
I think that it is a sense of belonging.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
John had said many times that he was always kind
of like an outcast or like that type of person
when he felt a little disconnected from society.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
I think that that was, you know, not.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
Not an uncommon theme down there, people who just don't
want to be in your typical type of house. For him,
it was reminding of how he was alone, how his
wife was no longer with him exactly. So you know,
each person is unique, and has their unique story. I mean,
I'm not going to say that that's the case for everybody.
(24:52):
I think that there's a lot of people down there
that didn't want to be homeless, you know, on house,
differently sheltered, whatever you want to call it.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
They didn't want to be that way.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
But and you know, I don't if people.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
People aren't in denial, if they can say that at
one point in their life they didn't feel like there
was no reason to go on or they didn't belong instaid,
they just get out of my face.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
I want to be left alone. Who doesn't go through that?
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Yeah, I think that, you know, but why judge? Right?
Speaker 1 (25:22):
We're real good at judging, aren't we.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
People are? I mean for sure.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
And that's why when I put this project out, you know,
on my personal platforms, I said, like, I hope it's
met with an open heart because I could already anticipate
there being some misconceptions.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Or those types of things with the stereotype.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
The point of this project was really to just show
a side of this story that you don't normally get
to hear.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
And you did, thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
That was the goal, and it was, you know, these
people who feel voiceless. You know, we talk about giving
a voice to the voiceless. I just wanted this to
be that.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
And actually do what do you think you have anything
else up your sleep? Maybe I shouldn't have to get that.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
Dark a deep tease, Yes, yes I do.
Speaker 1 (26:12):
Yeah, you don't have to talk about it.
Speaker 3 (26:14):
Yeah, it's just more of like really just the topics
and the realities that might be a little harsh. That's
what I want to continue spreading, shedding light on the
topics that might make people a little bit uncomfortable, but they.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Need to know about human issues.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Human issues.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Yes, And it's just like people say.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
I was talking to somebody from the food bank who
told me that they're worried because they expect about one
hundred and forty thousand more people next year.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
What are we going to do?
Speaker 2 (26:45):
And at any point you can lose everything? Yeah, how
many people live paycheck to paycheck and it's getting worse.
And what my mom used to say, and you'll probably
think this is funny, she used to say, don't spit
up in the air, which means don't judge other people,
because it's going to be right back on you. And
(27:06):
I've noticed that. But I'm glad that you did that.
You continue to help out with Eclipse, don't you.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Yeah, we cook and serve on Sundays. So that has
really enriched my life. I mean, it's really just like
seeing the people and like that I make connections with
and that they're excited to see me or just to
and it's it's not even.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
About me, like you know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
It's more about like being able to give a meal
to somebody who doesn't know where their next is coming from.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Yeah, that's right, those types of things.
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Well, in general, how has this particular project changed your
life or your perspective on life?
Speaker 4 (27:46):
Every day?
Speaker 3 (27:46):
It's changed my life. I feel like I viewed the
world differently. It's made me a lot more grateful for
everything that I do have. It's made me live more
presently in the moment. It's I can't even put it
into words, honestly. It's like, and I said this to
John one day when I went down there.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Back when the encampment was still going.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
I was having a rough day and I just went
down to drop something off to him that I knew
he needed some fuel for his generator or something like that.
So he was like, tell me about you you hear
about me, tell me about you, and it's that type
of energy you know that you just want to reciprocate.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
So we know, Alexa, I remember, as you said, talking
about that one gentleman, he said that he didn't think
anybody down there had a voice.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
That they do now.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Those were his words, but they do now, and I
think that's extremely powerful. Alexi Salader is a digital executive
producer at CBS twenty one News, and I encourage you
to watch the remarkable documentary it's called Tense City Stories
from inside Harrisburg's biggest homeless Encampment. Where can we find
it on our.
Speaker 3 (28:57):
YouTube channel, so that is YouTube slash CBS twenty one News.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Awesome.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
You know what, local news outlets play a big time
role in our everyday lives, but the documentaries like Alexis
are very essential. I want to thank Alexis for coming
in and always thank you my listeners, and remember that
Insight airs every weekend on our ten Ihearts stations or
anytime on your favorite podcast.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
Step I'm Selby Moss. This has been Insight. See next
week
Hi, I am Sylvia Moss.
Speaker 2 (00:01):
This is Insight, a presentation of iHeartMedia where we really
do care about our local communities and all our listeners
who live here, whether you've been a regular listener of
this program or engage with me in a conversation off
the air about all the issues that are going on.
I always tell them, tell you take five minutes to
educate yourself upon an issue, because in doing so, you'll
(00:22):
find that things are not exactly the way you think
they are. One of those issues that has come up
repeatedly over the last couple of years is the public's
mistrust of the media. When I suggested taking those five
minutes to educate yourself about issues that concern you, well,
I should have gone a few steps further by helping
to discern what the best unbiased resources forgetting the facts
(00:44):
about an issue that are out there for you. Now
consider this. Many national news organizations have openly aligned themselves
with political movements or corporate backwards that place their loyalty
and influence above journalistic neutrality. This is in journal Listen,
this isn't aretortalizing real journals. Those who live by the
(01:05):
monitor that their personal opinion really doesn't matter, and that
mostly important. The most important part of their job is
to report the facts. You don't have to go far
to find people like this because you see them every
day in your local news channels. Typically, you can count
on local news to provide an unbiased account of state
and national news issues. But most important thing is that
(01:25):
you can remember that your local news outlets keep people
in our communities locally informed. They drive community involvement, and
they also hold our leaders responsible for their actions. Another
important thing to keep in mind is deep rooted. The
deep rooted presence of our local reporters in the communities.
Now listen, I'm sure you know a lot about them.
(01:45):
They have lived here for a number of years. Some
even raise their kids here. They continue their dedication and
it's a testament to their genuine equipment commitment to their audiences.
The stories they share with you aren't just headlines. They're
reflections of the nameighborhoods they call home. Today's guest is
especially special to me because at her young age, she's
(02:06):
already leading the next generation of journalists. Alexis Southard am
I saying your name right, Honey, Southern Southeast Okay. Southern
is an award winning television producer whose career continues to soar,
usually finding herself behind the camera and serving as a
digital executive producer at CBS twenty one News. She was
recently tapped into Phyllis an anchor, just a couple months
(02:29):
after joining the station, but her talents extend beyond the newsroom.
She's in Emmy a winning, a drone pilot, and a
mentor who's helping other producers earn their first st Emmys.
Most recently, she had a documentary producer to her growing
list of accomplishments, having completed a project that's already wracked
up thousands of abuse and you know what I said,
(02:51):
a whole lot of stuff. The bottom thing here is
WHP Channel twenty one has an amazing young woman working
for her.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
She's done.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
She kicks butt in every area that she's assigned. She
inspires me and inspires a whole lot of people in
this community. Now I got to ask you something, Alexa,
after that long, long, long thing years ago, I know
people like me, we want to be a journalist. It
was we typically had like a talent for writing. Were
(03:20):
I used to say, It's I'm nosy, but you know
you have to be nosy.
Speaker 1 (03:25):
But we reported on stories.
Speaker 2 (03:29):
Usually they were I don't want to say human interest,
but they were things that impacted people's lives because we
thought at some point we could make a difference. And
I'll tell yeah, you really really made a difference with
this documentary. Let me ask you, first of all, what
initially attracted you to the field of journalism.
Speaker 3 (03:48):
Well, at my time at Temple University, I got to
go to the television studios there and kind of started
branching out into t U TV a couple of programs there.
I actually first started working on a late night show,
which was a lot of fun, very different from you know,
the seriousness of news that that can that news can be.
(04:12):
But yeah, I think just seeing it and seeing the
fast paced nature really kind of drew me in. And
then when I started working for Temple Update or you know,
during my time at college, I was very interested in
how it all works. I mean, I've always been kind
of interested in consuming news, you know, even as a
(04:34):
young younger person, you know, teenage years and stuff like that,
I was very outspoken, and part of that is being informed,
I think as well.
Speaker 2 (04:45):
Well, you know, one of the things that I think
is so cool too about you is you learned all
the technical and it wasn't that much of a big
deal when I was learning this stuff. I mean around here.
It's funny because I remember some of yell skills in
the building. Don't let her touch anything. She'll shut us
all down, which is true. Thank goodness I have Art
because this program won't be going on for so many
(05:05):
years without him. But women in technology, I think that's
a big deal. If I were going back into journalism,
I would tell them sometimes I'm ass to talk to kids,
high school kids, and I tell them, you better learn
how to write right right, right, right right, that's the
first thing. Okay, Now I would tell them, which I
know nothing about the field, but I'm sure you would too,
that you need to know the technical end of it, right.
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Yeah, definitely.
Speaker 3 (05:28):
I mean a lot of time of mine is spent
editing and and doing those types of things and shooting,
you know, on different cameras and stuff like that. With
the documentary, obviously a lot of that was shot by me,
and then I had a great editor who kind of
you know, took that into her hands. Very thankful for that.
But you know, as a producer, I got my start
(05:50):
as a producer. And I think you said I was
I had something to do with the drone. I do not,
because that is what you did.
Speaker 1 (05:55):
Forgive me. I of me.
Speaker 3 (05:58):
No, the drones, that is it's one of the technical
things that I have not learned yet. I would like
to though, But there's a lot of different you know,
it's a multifaceted thing when it comes to media technology,
So it's editing, it's shooting, all of those types of things.
And I did kind of get to work on those
skills in college. When I started at CBS twenty one,
(06:19):
I was a television producer, so I was every day
in a rundown picking the stories, writing the stories, you know,
working with our reporters and putting stuff in and timing
out the shows. And yes, very fast paced, but you
have to learn a couple different softwares and stuff like that.
So there was a bit of a learning curve, you know,
(06:41):
in terms of that because I you know, there's a
lot of people in this industry that are like I
knew when I was five years old that I wanted
to be a journalist, and yeah, and that wasn't.
Speaker 4 (06:51):
The case for me.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
I did really get my start in college I think,
but learning all of the different you know, technology and
stuff like that, it makes you more versatile. So I
was able to do this documentary because I am able
to do the basics of shooting.
Speaker 4 (07:10):
I had a vision.
Speaker 3 (07:11):
So when I, you know, was getting all these interviews
and stuff like that, I knew how I wanted it
to come together. Some things I think are taught, some
things I think are instinct. Maybe a combination of both
for for everything. But yes, the technology part of it
is it's definitely interesting because it evolves.
Speaker 4 (07:29):
Every all the time. It revolves everything.
Speaker 1 (07:33):
Don't you like what don't I like?
Speaker 2 (07:36):
I got into this end of it because I wrote
for papers and stuff. But I'm like qu quick, quick,
quick quick, kind of like you. I like the immediacy
of things.
Speaker 3 (07:46):
I don't like being on camera, so I knew from
the beginning I didn't want to do that.
Speaker 4 (07:51):
I didn't want to.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
Be a reporter. Other than that, I mean, I really
like everything. I love the people part of my job,
So being a manager, I love managing my team. I
love those types of interactions that I get to have
with people. You know, young journalists starting out or more
experienced journalists that you know are able to help me
(08:13):
along the way in my journey.
Speaker 2 (08:15):
Well, let me ask you this. When you hear people
I hear this all the time, media media me to
media media. You know, why is it the media? What
do you say to people? I tell him, don't watch
that crap, turn on your local news. That that's what
it's going to impact you.
Speaker 3 (08:30):
I think that sometimes there is a connotation about the
media as a whole, but it's not considered in terms
of local news. Like local news is very hyper localized.
You know, it's really the stories that matter to your community.
And I will say your communities are the ones that
are in mind when it comes to what comes across.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
Well, I got to tell you I first found out
about it by somebody who is so dedicated to this community,
our buddy. Everybody loves Tom. Tom Russell is the best.
He He's always out.
Speaker 1 (09:00):
There doing something for the community.
Speaker 2 (09:02):
And where I thought, oh my gosh, let's get down
I'm talking about now he's on Facebook. I thought, I
got to get in touch with this girl. She's amazing. Well,
everybody apparently thinks you're amazing. That tell us about how
you found out about Tense City. What for those who
may not know it's been in the news for a
long time, But what is it and how did.
Speaker 1 (09:20):
You find out? What motivated you go check this out?
Speaker 4 (09:24):
Right?
Speaker 3 (09:24):
So, if you've ever been to Harrisburg, Tense City was
the homeless encampment that was down by the Pentot Building
right off of South Front Street, across from the river there,
right under the I eighty three bridge. So Tense City
was an encampment where a lot of people who were
unhoused all kind of congregated and created into a community. Honestly,
(09:49):
so I think at its peak, over I'm told over
one hundred and twenty people live there. When I spent
a lot of time there, it was more like sixty
seventy people, and we kind of watch those numbers dwindle
as the deadline approached. So there was a deadline set
for them to vacate the area because of the I
eighty three Bridge expansion project. So that project was going
(10:12):
right through ten City where all the people had their
tents and structures set up, so they had to go.
So the deadline was set, and then it was moved back,
and it was set and it was set back, and
then I believe it was September twenty second that it
was finally enforced. So yeah, there was a lot of
people that I met there.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
But there where did they move it to?
Speaker 4 (10:35):
So well, a lot of people, so they didn't.
Speaker 3 (10:38):
A lot of people moved to the Miracle Community, which
is on I guess it's South nine Street, kind of
right off of Cameron Street. But there are some people
that chose not to move there, so that option was
available to them, but not everybody took that opportunity. But
I will say that I got introduced to the whole
thing because we were talking about the expansion project and
(11:00):
Tens City, and I felt like a lot of times
we were hearing about, you know, when stuff would happen there,
like the fires or you know, a lot of people
saw that those types of stories. And then as the
deadline approached, it was a lot of talk about the
project and stuff, and we were talking in our news meetings,
and I think that there was one day where I
(11:21):
was just like, I want to go down there and
talk to people.
Speaker 4 (11:24):
I want to talk to the people who live there.
We've never really.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
What did the news director say to you?
Speaker 4 (11:29):
I mean, yeah, here's supportive.
Speaker 1 (11:30):
You know, I understand that guys are pretty you got
a pretty good boss.
Speaker 4 (11:33):
Oh, yes, absolutely so.
Speaker 3 (11:37):
And it wasn't to say that we haven't talked to
the people who lived there before, but it wasn't necessarily
about this project and about them having to move and
stuff like that.
Speaker 2 (11:45):
You there must have been something in it that you
can't explain that you wanted to tell their story.
Speaker 1 (11:51):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (11:51):
I just felt like I'm comfortable to put myself in
that position. And I viewed these people like they could
be my mother, my father, my sister, my brother, my
you know, not my son because I'm twenty seven, but
you know that type of thing where it's like for you,
(12:13):
you know, it could be somebody that you know and love.
So why kind of view them any differently from any
other story.
Speaker 2 (12:20):
I don't know many reporters that think of it that way,
and I think that's fantastic you do. It shows your
heart and that's another thing at the station that I
know people think you're awesome.
Speaker 1 (12:30):
Were you scared going down well?
Speaker 2 (12:32):
You had been down there helping out with is another organization,
weren't you well, so.
Speaker 4 (12:36):
The Eclipse Project.
Speaker 3 (12:38):
I kind of shared my vision for this project that
I had, So when we decided that yes I could
go down there, my Assignment Desk editor Austin Winkler. He
put me in contact with the Eclipse Project because he
had some ties to them. The Eclipse Project is a
homeless outreach here that helps you know people at the area.
(13:00):
They served food and stuff like that. So I got
in touch with their coordinator and she helped kind of
introduce me to Tent City because she knew the vision
that I had for this project, kind of to highlight
the resourcefulness, to kind of be able to give these people,
like if they feel voiceless a voice.
Speaker 1 (13:18):
You know.
Speaker 4 (13:19):
So she introduced me. Her name's Mi Sean.
Speaker 3 (13:24):
She introduced me to the first day I met her
was when I first started filming, So they were serving
food and I met her, and you know, first time
I met her, she gave me a hug, and you know,
we just kind of instantly connected. And that's kind of
how I got introduced to the area.
Speaker 2 (13:42):
When you first went down there and you knew that
you were going to film, how did you know, Like
did she say to you at some point talk to
John because he's a good talk I mean, how do
you do because John is the star you show pretty
much first of all, tell us.
Speaker 1 (13:57):
About him by this gentleman named John.
Speaker 3 (14:00):
John opened his home to us, and when I first arrived,
John had signs out front that said homeless veteran and
things like that. And you know when I first met him,
he pretty much welcomed us in right away. There was
(14:20):
a I don't want to see. So the Eclipse Project
was serving food. John loves mac and cheese, so they
have great mac and cheese that chef Eric makes and
he was bringing John the mac and cheese. So I
that's how we kind of met. It was and you'll
see in the probably one of the first videos, he
(14:40):
has a box of food in his hands.
Speaker 4 (14:43):
There's mac and cheese in there. Yeah, so that's his
comfort food.
Speaker 3 (14:47):
So we kind of met that way, and he, yeah,
he opened his place, and you know, from the beginning,
I felt comfortable.
Speaker 4 (14:56):
I didn't feel scared.
Speaker 2 (14:58):
I let me ask you some of the things. I
wrote some of these things down when I watched the
Yeah your documentary about John.
Speaker 1 (15:04):
And what he had to say.
Speaker 2 (15:05):
He told you that has he had just lost his
wife a few months prior to that.
Speaker 3 (15:09):
Years Yeah, no, but he he will say a lot
that it feels like yesterday.
Speaker 1 (15:16):
Okay, and he's right.
Speaker 2 (15:18):
I'm Okay, this is something he said to you. We're
not all mental patients, we're not all drug addicts. We
choose to be away from people. Is that what you found? Uh?
Was the common dominator with a lot of people that
were there, that they just don't want to be bothered.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Yes, I think a lot of I mean I was.
I wouldn't say a majority, I wouldn't say a minority.
I think that there are people that are. There's a
certain appeal to being off the grid, and that's kind
of why they choose to be differently sheltered.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
I think that.
Speaker 3 (15:54):
But yes, and in what he was saying was we're
not all mental patients and we're not all drug addicts.
Speaker 4 (15:59):
That is true.
Speaker 1 (16:00):
Yeah, that's what I was going to say.
Speaker 2 (16:01):
I mean that, But that's the connotation of most people
out there, if they don't have if they don't take
this opportunity to watch your documentary, A lot of people
say all those people are all nuts down there, drug addicts,
and it's not the case.
Speaker 3 (16:14):
I mean, I think even if somebody who is addicted
or dealing with addiction issues is still worthy of compassion,
That's right, That's just how I feel. But yes, definitely
not it's not like Mishean always says, there's as many
stories as there are people, and there's and I personally
believe there's not a one size fits all kind of
(16:35):
solution to this or you know something like that.
Speaker 1 (16:38):
So well, I'll tell you something else that really surprised me.
He said.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
He said that he was in charge of everybody that
people would come to and want.
Speaker 1 (16:45):
To talk about that.
Speaker 2 (16:46):
But one thing that really surprised me is he said
he appreciates people coming and giving them food and clothing
and everything else, but he also thinks that some of
the people down there, it's by doing this, these organizations
are enabling them to stay in that situation.
Speaker 1 (17:02):
What do you think.
Speaker 3 (17:05):
I think that anything that helps someone, even temporarily, you know,
is a good thing. I do understand what the point
he was trying to get across there in terms of,
you know, there's always going to be people, regardless of
if they're homeless or not, that are gonna, you know,
abuse the situation in terms of like take things for
(17:29):
granted or take things for advantage, right, Like, people are
going to take advantage of things no matter what. You know,
It's just the type of persons.
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Another thing is if some of the people down there
are depressed, and I'm sure a lot of them are.
When you're in that situation, you know that's how you feel.
Speaker 3 (17:48):
Yeah, definitely, and I mean I think that. You know,
there's so many different layers to it. If somebody has
mental health problems, they might not be in the state
of mind where they know how to appreciate and not
take things for granted. You know, if there's a sense
of delusion or I'm not saying that that's the case
for a lot of these people, but you know it's
(18:08):
it's all situational, So.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
That's exactly right. He also is real proud when he said, good,
these are my people.
Speaker 1 (18:14):
I protect him. What did he mean by that?
Speaker 3 (18:18):
When I was there, I definitely saw a lot of
people come to him for things.
Speaker 4 (18:22):
And from the beginning he told me I don't like people.
Speaker 3 (18:25):
You may hear me in one part where I say, well, John,
you say you don't like people, but sure a lot
of people do like you. And I asked him if
he likes that, because you know, if you think somebody
who doesn't like people, they don't want a lot of
people relying on them. He said he does like that
because you know, he helps supply their needs, and I
(18:46):
think no longer being there with his community and the
people that he considered to be his family. This is
all in his words obviously, but you know he definitely
misses the sense of community that well.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
He says that he doesn't go out and try to
help these people if they come to him, like his
buddy that he gave up what do you call a
thing to sleep and.
Speaker 1 (19:09):
He said he sleeps in my backyard. Yeah.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
There was a man who had a tent that was
like inside of John's place. Yeah, so I watched people
come in like while we were filming and say like.
Speaker 4 (19:23):
Hey John, do you have this? Or you know, do
you have this? Do you have can I have this?
And blah blah blah.
Speaker 2 (19:27):
That must do a lot for him though, Yeah, I
mean absolutely wow. He mentioned some of the things he
talked that he needs. Will they need down there? He said,
they need water, they need batteries, And you're with the organization,
you've become pretty quick tight with the Eclipse project that
provides food.
Speaker 1 (19:46):
They also need food. What else do you think they
need down there?
Speaker 2 (19:49):
Does anybody ever go through and try to any like
professional counsels or anything.
Speaker 1 (19:53):
Do they go through there at all.
Speaker 3 (19:54):
Yeah, so I think, I mean, granted, this place is
gone now, so you know, like it's hard to say
of what they need.
Speaker 1 (20:01):
Now because there is totally down there.
Speaker 3 (20:04):
I mean at Tense City. No, like it's it's pretty
much entirely wiped out. We flew our drone there not
too long ago. It's completely leveled where they go. So
a lot went to the Miracle Community and the needs
that they have their you know, some there there is
a pantry there, so there's you know, there's new resources
(20:26):
there where John left there. John is not at the
Miracle Community. But you know, I everybody has left because
pen Dot won't allow it and they will not even
pen pen Dot. But you know, Capitol Police are the
ones who enforced it. The city has said we will
not allow any pop up encampments and we will not
(20:46):
allow people back into Tense City what used to be
Tense City, which is now going to be the ID
three Bridge or expansion. You know, so they're all under
the Miracle Project. A lot of people, Yeah, could they go, Oh,
I don't know. I think I think some people I've
heard stories of some people, you know, being able to
get housing or you know, maybe families, you know, those
(21:10):
types of things. But there are a couple other you know,
resources for veterans. It's the tiny homes maybe if they
have availabilities or you know, there's a couple of different places.
But you asked about like outreach and in terms of
mental health and stuff like that. On the day of
the deadline, and this wasn't really in the documentary at all.
(21:31):
I went down there at four am because I heard
that Capitol Police were gonna we're starting to you know.
Speaker 1 (21:38):
Uh.
Speaker 3 (21:38):
Turns out they didn't come until like not like maybe
eight or nine, but around eight, you know, the Human
services came and a couple crisis intervention folks and like
people from the county and stuff.
Speaker 1 (21:54):
Good. Well, I'll tell you. I know friend Charter. We
both know Friend Charter, a wonderful district attorney.
Speaker 2 (21:58):
It was his idea years ago when when people go
out when police are called, especially domestic violence, when they
go out, they need to take a mental health Yeah,
their worker with them. And that's been a wonderful help
to Dauphin County. And that's pretty much what you're saying.
Speaker 3 (22:14):
Yeah, so that they came, they didn't really want to
speak on camera, but we kind of I just kind
of watched everything kind of unfold. They Capitol Police and
the crisis intervention folks and people with the Homeless Coalition
all kind of walked through the encampment, and I know
(22:36):
that they were talking to people who were still in there.
So there was on that day of that deadline, there
was maybe a handful of people that were still there,
and I don't know what was said, you know, really,
but they I know at least were We're there and
talking to people who may have still been there. So
(22:59):
in terms of of, you know, what resources were provided
and stuff like that, I still want to reach out.
Speaker 4 (23:05):
It's just been busy.
Speaker 2 (23:06):
Well I want to talk to you a little bit
more about when they still were and when it was
tense city. Didn't you tell me or saw in the film?
I'm not sure that a lady went into labor. Yes,
that just proves it. It's their community. They all saw
it as their community. They counted on each other.
Speaker 3 (23:25):
Right right, Yeah, And that's kind of why a lot
of us say instead of homeless, we say like differently
sheltered or unhoused. So like, yeah, well not only that,
but to them, like the point being is they to them,
they have a home. That is their home, yes, you know,
and for those who are in the Miracle community, now
that's their home.
Speaker 4 (23:47):
You know.
Speaker 3 (23:47):
So when you hear people say like other different little
phrases and stuff, I think a lot of people are like, oh,
they're kind of sugarcoating it. No, it's it's because to them,
these people, they have a home. Yeah, it just looks
different from the house that you live in or the
apartment that I live in, or whatever you want to
call it.
Speaker 2 (24:04):
Well, even John said he doesn't have to be there, Yeah,
he can't afford to go back and get get in
a house and an apartment, but he chooses to be there.
Speaker 4 (24:13):
Yeah, I mean he belongs.
Speaker 1 (24:15):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (24:15):
I think that it is a sense of belonging.
Speaker 1 (24:17):
You know.
Speaker 3 (24:19):
John had said many times that he was always kind
of like an outcast or like that type of person
when he felt a little disconnected from society.
Speaker 4 (24:28):
I think that that was, you know, not.
Speaker 3 (24:31):
Not an uncommon theme down there, people who just don't
want to be in your typical type of house. For him,
it was reminding of how he was alone, how his
wife was no longer with him exactly. So you know,
each person is unique, and has their unique story. I mean,
I'm not going to say that that's the case for everybody.
(24:52):
I think that there's a lot of people down there
that didn't want to be homeless, you know, on house,
differently sheltered, whatever you want to call it.
Speaker 4 (24:58):
They didn't want to be that way.
Speaker 1 (24:59):
But and you know, I don't if people.
Speaker 2 (25:02):
People aren't in denial, if they can say that at
one point in their life they didn't feel like there
was no reason to go on or they didn't belong instaid,
they just get out of my face.
Speaker 1 (25:14):
I want to be left alone. Who doesn't go through that?
Speaker 4 (25:17):
Yeah, I think that, you know, but why judge? Right?
Speaker 1 (25:22):
We're real good at judging, aren't we.
Speaker 4 (25:25):
People are? I mean for sure.
Speaker 3 (25:27):
And that's why when I put this project out, you know,
on my personal platforms, I said, like, I hope it's
met with an open heart because I could already anticipate
there being some misconceptions.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
Or those types of things with the stereotype.
Speaker 3 (25:41):
The point of this project was really to just show
a side of this story that you don't normally get
to hear.
Speaker 1 (25:48):
And you did, thank you.
Speaker 3 (25:50):
That was the goal, and it was, you know, these
people who feel voiceless. You know, we talk about giving
a voice to the voiceless. I just wanted this to
be that.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
And actually do what do you think you have anything
else up your sleep? Maybe I shouldn't have to get that.
Speaker 4 (26:07):
Dark a deep tease, Yes, yes I do.
Speaker 1 (26:12):
Yeah, you don't have to talk about it.
Speaker 3 (26:14):
Yeah, it's just more of like really just the topics
and the realities that might be a little harsh. That's
what I want to continue spreading, shedding light on the
topics that might make people a little bit uncomfortable, but they.
Speaker 1 (26:30):
Need to know about human issues.
Speaker 4 (26:32):
Human issues.
Speaker 1 (26:33):
Yes, And it's just like people say.
Speaker 2 (26:36):
I was talking to somebody from the food bank who
told me that they're worried because they expect about one
hundred and forty thousand more people next year.
Speaker 1 (26:43):
What are we going to do?
Speaker 2 (26:45):
And at any point you can lose everything? Yeah, how
many people live paycheck to paycheck and it's getting worse.
And what my mom used to say, and you'll probably
think this is funny, she used to say, don't spit
up in the air, which means don't judge other people,
because it's going to be right back on you. And
(27:06):
I've noticed that. But I'm glad that you did that.
You continue to help out with Eclipse, don't you.
Speaker 3 (27:13):
Yeah, we cook and serve on Sundays. So that has
really enriched my life. I mean, it's really just like
seeing the people and like that I make connections with
and that they're excited to see me or just to
and it's it's not even.
Speaker 4 (27:29):
About me, like you know what I mean.
Speaker 3 (27:31):
It's more about like being able to give a meal
to somebody who doesn't know where their next is coming from.
Speaker 4 (27:37):
Yeah, that's right, those types of things.
Speaker 2 (27:39):
Well, in general, how has this particular project changed your
life or your perspective on life?
Speaker 4 (27:46):
Every day?
Speaker 3 (27:46):
It's changed my life. I feel like I viewed the
world differently. It's made me a lot more grateful for
everything that I do have. It's made me live more
presently in the moment. It's I can't even put it
into words, honestly. It's like, and I said this to
John one day when I went down there.
Speaker 4 (28:07):
Back when the encampment was still going.
Speaker 3 (28:09):
I was having a rough day and I just went
down to drop something off to him that I knew
he needed some fuel for his generator or something like that.
So he was like, tell me about you you hear
about me, tell me about you, and it's that type
of energy you know that you just want to reciprocate.
Speaker 2 (28:27):
So we know, Alexa, I remember, as you said, talking
about that one gentleman, he said that he didn't think
anybody down there had a voice.
Speaker 1 (28:36):
That they do now.
Speaker 2 (28:37):
Those were his words, but they do now, and I
think that's extremely powerful. Alexi Salader is a digital executive
producer at CBS twenty one News, and I encourage you
to watch the remarkable documentary it's called Tense City Stories
from inside Harrisburg's biggest homeless Encampment. Where can we find
it on our.
Speaker 3 (28:57):
YouTube channel, so that is YouTube slash CBS twenty one News.
Speaker 1 (29:02):
Awesome.
Speaker 2 (29:03):
You know what, local news outlets play a big time
role in our everyday lives, but the documentaries like Alexis
are very essential. I want to thank Alexis for coming
in and always thank you my listeners, and remember that
Insight airs every weekend on our ten Ihearts stations or
anytime on your favorite podcast.
Speaker 1 (29:20):
Step I'm Selby Moss. This has been Insight. See next
week
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