A Voice for the Unhoused Podcast

In this heartfelt episode of Unhoused Voices, Nicole begins by thanking God for a Wawa gift card, expressing gratitude for a simple act of kindness. The conversation between Nicole and Dave moves through everyday life in Highland Pines, Tampa, Florida, including a discussion about the neighborhood Subway restaurant and the people and places that make up the community.
The conversation turns to Highland Pines Park and concerns about the environment surrounding nearby Oak Park Elementary School. Nicole and Dave discuss the negative influences children may encounter, including troubling behavior associated with some individuals who frequent the park. Their discussion raises important questions about public safety, homelessness, and the responsibility of the community to provide children with positive role models and a safe place to grow.
Looking toward the future, Dave shares a vision for a location near Dollar General in Highland Pines that could become a place of artistic expression, storytelling, and community pride. Imagine a welcoming space where residents can share their talents, tell their personal stories, celebrate the history of Highland Pines, and inspire younger generations through creativity and positive examples. The discussion reflects a desire to transform an underutilized area into something meaningful for the entire neighborhood.
Finally, Nicole opens up about her own dreams, hopes, and aspirations. Together, Dave and Nicole reflect on the possibilities that life still holds, the importance of faith, and the power of believing in a better tomorrow. Their conversation ends with laughter and references to God and Jesus, bringing a warm and uplifting conclusion to an episode about gratitude, neighborhood challenges, personal dreams, and hope for the future.
Presented by Highland Pines Committee Inc. — A Voice for the Unhoused
www.unhousedtampa.org
 

On a dangerously hot day, Horace sits in the shade and speaks honestly about life beside his mother, known to listeners as Auntie. He discusses their search for housing, the possibility of receiving assistance, and the uncertainty they face. Beneath it all is one powerful message from a son: “I love my mom.”
This raw conversation from A Voice for the Unhoused reveals the family bonds that survive homelessness. Listen to Horace in his own words—and share this episode so more people understand that behind every housing crisis is a real person, a real family, and a story that deserves to be heard.

In this episode of A Voice for the Unhoused, Dolo shares encouraging updates about her recent job interview with KFC/Taco Bell and her determination to return to work. She also discusses staying housed with support from her mother, her recent baptism, and her plans to continue attending church. Her story reflects faith, hope, and the importance of having support while working toward stability.
The episode also provides an update on the Highland Pines Committee’s community office and its plans to offer housing information, emergency-shelter referrals, printing assistance, and other helpful resources. The committee expects to receive government-surplus supplies—including computers, printers, first-aid kits, and bottled water—as it continues developing partnerships and practical solutions that support and empower Tampa’s unhoused community.

In this brief episode of A Voice for the Unhoused, David shares the story of meeting Michael outside a Checkers restaurant in Tampa. Michael was sitting on the ground with a red, white, and blue walking stick. His skin appeared badly burned by the sun, and he had very few belongings. David approached him, offered him a four-dollar meal, and sat down to share a burger, a Coke, and a conversation.
During their meal, Michael revealed that he was struggling with a drug problem. David told him about the Portico Café near the Marion Transit Center, where Michael could seek Narcotics Anonymous meetings and possible assistance with housing and employment. What began as a simple offer of food became an opportunity to listen, share information, and give one person a possible path toward recovery and stability.
As darkness approached and rain appeared possible, David was left thinking about the dangerous conditions Michael faced outdoors. He asks listeners to pray for Michael and remember the many unhoused people enduring addiction, harsh weather, and uncertainty with few possessions or resources. This episode reflects the mission of Highland Pines Committee Inc.: giving Tampa’s unhoused population a voice while connecting people with compassion, advocacy, and meaningful assistance.

In this episode of A Voice for the Unhoused, Cy interviews Dave, president of Highland Pines Committee Inc., about the organization’s progress and how far it has come. Dave reflects on the committee’s development, its current work, and its growing role in advocating for Tampa’s unhoused and vulnerable residents.
A major topic is Highland Pines Committee Inc.’s recently obtained 501(c)(3) status. Dave explains what this important milestone means for the organization and how it can help strengthen the committee’s future outreach, partnerships, and community impact.
Cy and Dave also discuss the possible development of Highland Pines Hideaway. Although the project is still being considered and may be coming soon, the proposed housing initiative would serve veterans, active-duty military members, and adults over the age of 50.
The conversation explores what the committee is doing today and the next steps it hopes to take. Cy also asks about the progress of the organization’s website and how it is helping people learn about housing information, community resources, committee activities, and the mission behind the work.
This interview offers listeners an inside look at an organization moving forward with purpose. Highland Pines Committee Inc. remains committed to advocacy, community engagement, meaningful partnerships, and long-term solutions that support and empower people in Tampa. Learn more at www.unhousedtampa.org.

In “Echoes of Auntie,” A Voice for the Unhoused looks back on the unforgettable voice and personality of Auntie Rochelle. Through moments from her conversations, listeners hear her honesty, humor, faith, and determination as she speaks about life while experiencing homelessness in Tampa.
Auntie’s words reveal the daily reality of living without stable housing. Her voice carries the exhaustion of hardship, but it also reflects strength, hope, and a desire for something better—not only for herself, but for the family members she loves deeply.
This episode reminds us that people experiencing homelessness are more than statistics. They are mothers, grandmothers, neighbors, and members of our community with personal histories, relationships, struggles, and dreams. Auntie’s voice gives a human face to the urgent need for safe and affordable housing.
Presented by Highland Pines Committee Inc., “Echoes of Auntie” encourages listeners to hear what too often goes unheard. Her story continues to echo as a call for compassion, community involvement, meaningful partnerships, and lasting solutions for Tampa’s unhoused population.

In this powerful and deeply personal testimony, a man shares how his faith transformed his life after years of cocaine use, alcoholism, and struggling in the streets. He explains that in 1988, while living a destructive lifestyle, a Pentecostal woman approached him and encouraged him to “give God a chance.” At first, he questioned what she meant, but her words stayed with him and eventually inspired him to open his heart to God.
He recalls going to his mother’s church and surprising her with his appearance and decision to change his life. That very night, he accepted the Lord and prayed for God to restore his family. He promised that he would follow God’s direction and do whatever was asked of him.
Surrounded by his wife and daughters during the interview, he proudly introduces his family and explains how much their presence means to him. One of his daughters is recognized for singing and worshiping the Lord, adding a joyful and uplifting moment to the conversation.
His heartfelt message encourages listeners to open their hearts, trust God, and love all people. He reminds us that every person is part of God’s creation and that faith can bring healing, restoration, hope, and a completely new purpose in life.

In this heartfelt outdoor episode, Auntie shares a few powerful pearls of wisdom while sitting near a busy Tampa roadway on a very hot day. She speaks openly about family struggles, her concern for her son Harris, and the emotional challenges she faces while trying to keep her family safe.
Through it all, Auntie asks listeners for prayer and explains how her faith helps her cope. She encourages everyone to keep their heads up, trust in God, and believe that better days are possible. Surrounded by traffic and the sounds of the community, Auntie closes with a timeless message: God is good—all the time.

In this heartfelt episode of A Voice for the Unhoused, Auntie speaks openly about her family’s urgent need for safe and stable housing. After using her Social Security check to pay for a temporary room, she and her children are once again sleeping outdoors near a highway on a cold night.
Despite the hardship, Auntie holds tightly to her faith and continues praying that someone will help her family find a place to stay. The conversation also explores possible women’s and family shelters, assistance from local police, and the hope that an apartment may soon become available.
This is a real and personal look at housing insecurity, faith, perseverance, and the importance of helping our unhoused neighbors.
A Voice for the Unhoused — sharing real stories that deserve to be heard.
Favorite TV how was Barnie. Favorite color is purple and loved Auntie's Dress.

Welcome to Wild Kingdom, a look at the animals, insects, and everyday wildlife that share the Highland Pines neighborhood of Tampa, Florida.
From snakes sliding through the grass and neighborhood dogs and cats, to possums wandering after dark, mosquitoes buzzing in the Florida heat, colorful butterflies, and the familiar call of mourning doves, wildlife is all around us.
This episode takes a fun, down-to-earth look at the creatures—big and small—that make Highland Pines their home. Some are beautiful, some are annoying, some may surprise you, but they are all part of the wild side of life in our Tampa neighborhood.