UnHoused & UnFiltered | MCAH's Podcast on Homelessness & Housing

In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Nick Cook and Sarah Prout-Rennie break down the latest developments surrounding the FY2026 HUD Continuum of Care Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)—and why recent court victories do not mean the fight is over. They explain how litigation challenging the FY2025 and FY2026 NOFOs centers on federal administrative procedures, constitutional concerns, states’ rights, and the limits of executive authority when changing congressionally established homeless programs. With HUD appealing the FY2026 ruling, Michigan providers now face continued uncertainty about when critical federal housing dollars will actually reach communities. Nick and Sarah examine what funding delays could mean on the ground, from people potentially losing housing to small nonprofits struggling to maintain services—particularly in rural communities where providers often serve as the primary safety net. They also discuss Michigan’s efforts to secure temporary state funding to help bridge a potential federal funding gap while litigation continues. The conversation goes beyond the courtroom to examine the larger debate over homelessness: whether communities will invest in housing and evidence-based services or increasingly rely on criminalization and institutionalization. Nick and Sarah connect that debate to rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and the reality that many people experiencing housing instability are working, aging, raising families, or living only one financial emergency away from homelessness. Most importantly, the episode is a call for collective action . Listeners are encouraged to contact members of Congress, educate local officials and community partners, challenge harmful narratives about homelessness, and explain how federal funding uncertainty affects real people and local organizations. The episode closes on a hopeful note by celebrating MCAH’s Breakfast of Champions honorees—recognizing extraordinary leadership in advocacy, community, data, volunteerism, youth engagement, and Homeless Awareness Month across Michigan.

Join MCAH TODAY What does it take to build a statewide movement capable of responding to homelessness in a rapidly changing environment? In this episode of UnHoused and UnFiltered , host Nick Cook is joined by guest host Amy Stephenson, Director of Communications and Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness CEO Eric Hufnagel for a conversation about MCAH’s role, its growth, and why the work of a statewide coalition matters now more than ever. Eric discusses the federal policy and funding changes threatening Michigan’s homeless response system and why data remains one of the strongest tools for demonstrating which programs actually help people obtain and maintain housing. The conversation explores MCAH’s statewide HMIS work and its role in helping communities turn data into evidence, accountability, and a more accurate understanding of homelessness. The episode also goes behind the scenes of MCAH’s broader work—from advocacy and technical assistance to Homeless Service Provide Core Certification and statewide training that reaches more than 750 people annually. The team discusses how MCAH supports local providers so they can focus their limited capacity on what matters most: helping people find and maintain housing. But the central message is about collective power . Eric explains why membership isn't simply about paying dues; it's a commitment to being part of a coalition working together to end homelessness. With growing pressures on housing and homeless services, the episode challenges agencies, CoCs, individuals, and advocates to get involved, become members, educate their communities, and add their voices to the work. As Eric puts it: “Get involved.”

In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Sarah Prout-Rennie and Nick Cook unpack one of the most consequential shifts in homelessness policy in decades: the growing movement to criminalize homelessness. They examine how the 2024 Grants Pass Supreme Court decision and subsequent federal policy changes have encouraged camping bans, expanded enforcement, and civil commitment proposals across the country, including right here in Michigan. Drawing from recent advocacy efforts in East Lansing and Jackson, they explain why these ordinances often fail to address the root causes of homelessness while placing greater burdens on law enforcement, local governments, and taxpayers. The conversation explores the human impact of policies that push people further from services and deeper into crisis rather than toward housing and stability. Sarah and Nick also discuss the role of well-funded national organizations influencing local policy and why evidence-based approaches continue to outperform punitive measures. Most importantly, they highlight what actually works: affordable housing, street outreach, wraparound services, strong community partnerships, and Housing First strategies that help people remain housed long-term. This episode challenges listeners to look beyond fear and misinformation and consider the real human and financial costs of criminalizing poverty. Whether you're a policymaker, service provider, advocate, or concerned community member, this conversation offers critical context for one of today's most pressing public policy debates.

In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Sarah Prout-Rennie and Nick Cook welcome Lisa Reinecke, Homeless Solutions Director at True North Community Services and a nationally recognized expert in rural homelessness, to explore the unique challenges facing Michigan's small towns and rural communities. While homelessness in urban areas is often visible, Lisa explains how rural homelessness is largely hidden in forests, abandoned campers, vehicles, and remote two-track roads—making outreach, trust-building, and service delivery far more difficult. Through powerful stories from northern Michigan, she illustrates how housing instability affects seniors, veterans, working families, people with disabilities, and individuals facing unexpected health crises, challenging the misconception that homelessness is a personal choice. The conversation highlights the extraordinary commitment required to build relationships with people living in isolated areas, sometimes taking months before someone feels safe enough to accept housing. Listeners will also learn about True North's innovative outreach model, including partnerships with libraries, forest rangers, and local law enforcement that replace enforcement with compassion, dignity, and connection. Sarah, Nick, and Lisa discuss why rural communities require flexible, locally driven solutions rather than one-size-fits-all policies, and why investments in affordable housing, transportation, and case management are essential to long-term success. They also examine how proposals to criminalize homelessness threaten to undo months of relationship-building while making it even harder for service providers to locate and support people in crisis. This episode is a compelling reminder that homelessness exists in every corner of Michigan—even when it cannot be seen—and that lasting solutions begin with community, trust, and the belief that everyone deserves a safe place to call home.

In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Nick Cook and Sarah Prout-Rennie welcome MCAH Director of Data Initiatives Gerry Leslie for an eye-opening conversation about the power of data in shaping homelessness policy and improving lives across Michigan. Gerry explains how Michigan's unique statewide Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) helps policymakers, service providers, and advocates move beyond assumptions and make decisions based on real, verifiable evidence. Together, they explore why permanent housing solutions continue to demonstrate remarkable success rates, how homelessness intersects with healthcare and mental health, and why investing in housing ultimately saves taxpayer dollars while improving health outcomes. The discussion also dispels common myths surrounding homelessness, including misconceptions about substance use, and highlights the importance of accurate data in guiding effective public policy. The episode examines how emerging initiatives like HMIS Reimagined and the Democratization of Data campaign could make homelessness information more transparent, accessible, and actionable for communities across Michigan. Nick and Sarah also provide an update on the latest HUD litigation, discussing recent legal victories, new challenges surrounding the 2026 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and what these developments mean for homelessness funding and providers statewide. If you've ever wondered where the numbers behind homelessness come from—or why they matter—this episode demonstrates that behind every data point is a person, and behind every informed policy decision is the opportunity to change lives.

What if everything you thought you knew about homelessness was incomplete? In this thought-provoking episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Nick Cook and Sarah Prout-Rennie welcome Professor Lyon-Callo of Western Michigan University , a nationally recognized researcher who has spent more than three decades studying homelessness, poverty, and public policy. Together, they unpack the economic realities driving today's housing crisis, challenging the persistent myth that homelessness is primarily the result of individual failure. The conversation explores rising housing costs, stagnant wages, income inequality, Housing First, youth homelessness, and why so many people experiencing homelessness are employed or attending school. Professor Lyon-Callo also examines how shrinking community connections, the loss of public spaces, and increasing social isolation contribute to housing instability. The discussion highlights the disproportionate impacts on LGBTQ+ youth, survivors of domestic violence, and communities of color while urging listeners to question common narratives and look to evidence-based solutions. Grounded in both research and frontline experience, this episode offers a compelling reminder that homelessness is not inevitable—it is the result of policy choices, and different choices can create different outcomes.

In Episode 10 of UnHoused & UnFiltered , hosts Nick Cook and Sarah Prout-Rennie take an in-depth look at the newly released federal Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and why they believe it represents one of the most significant threats to Michigan's homeless response system in decades. They explain how the proposed changes could fundamentally reshape how homelessness services are funded, potentially placing between 3,500 and 5,000 currently housed Michiganders at risk of returning to homelessness while limiting services for thousands more. The discussion explores the shift away from permanent supportive housing, new definitions of self-sufficiency, expanded treatment requirements, and how rural communities could be disproportionately impacted by the new scoring criteria. Nick and Sarah also examine concerns surrounding harm reduction, disability eligibility, encampment policies, and the growing challenges facing older adults, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness for the first time. They discuss the ongoing legal challenges surrounding HUD's implementation of the funding process and why these changes extend beyond policy differences into questions of federal authority and constitutional law. The episode also highlights MCAH's estimate that Michigan will need approximately $30 million in state funding to help stabilize housing programs and reduce the impact of anticipated federal funding losses. Throughout the conversation, the hosts emphasize that homelessness is driven by housing affordability, economic pressures, and limited resources—not personal failure—and encourage listeners to engage with their elected officials, support local homeless service providers, and advocate for evidence-based solutions that keep people safely housed.

Episode Summary: A single legal mistake, unpaid fine, missed court date, or minor offense can create barriers that follow someone for years—impacting employment, housing, transportation, and stability. In this episode of UnHoused & UnFiltered , we sit down with Felicity Tyll from Street Democracy to explore how a dedicated team of attorneys and legal advocates is working to change that reality. Felicity shares how Street Democracy is transforming access to justice through innovative programs including Street Court, legal concierge services, and system-change advocacy designed to remove legal barriers before they become lifelong obstacles. We discuss the intersection of homelessness and the justice system, why seemingly minor legal issues can spiral into housing instability, and how proactive legal support can help people maintain employment, secure housing, and avoid deeper involvement in the criminal legal system. This conversation shines a light on the power of legal advocacy, the importance of second chances, and the growing movement to ensure that one legal misstep does not permanently alter the course of someone's life. Whether you're a service provider, advocate, policymaker, or community member, this episode offers valuable insight into the role justice reform plays in creating pathways to stability and opportunity. Listen, subscribe, and join the conversation as we explore solutions that help people move forward—not remain defined by their past.

In Episode 8 of UnHoused and UnFiltered , we sit down with youth homelessness advocate and leader Azaria Terrell to explore the realities facing young people experiencing homelessness in Michigan and beyond. Drawing from both her lived experience and her extensive work on youth advisory boards and advocacy initiatives, Azaria offers a powerful perspective on the barriers young people face while navigating homelessness, housing instability, and systems designed to support them. The conversation examines the connection between foster care involvement and youth homelessness, the challenges created by limited transitional supports, and the critical importance of ensuring young people have access to stable housing, trusted adults, education, employment opportunities, and community connections. But this episode is also about hope. Azaria highlights the resilience, innovation, and leadership of young people who are shaping solutions and changing systems. As a recognized leader across Michigan, she shares lessons learned, promising practices, and what policymakers, service providers, and communities can do to better support youth on their path to stability and success. This is a candid and inspiring conversation about lived experience, leadership, and why investing in young people today creates stronger communities tomorrow. Listen, learn, and join us as we elevate the voices of youth who are not only surviving homelessness—but helping lead the movement to end it.

This episode of UnHoused and UnFiltered takes a hard look at the increasingly alarming statements and policy signals emerging from HUD surrounding the delayed Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process and what many providers fear could become a dramatic reshaping of federal homelessness response systems. Hosts unpack recent rhetoric questioning long-standing evidence-based practices like Housing First, alongside growing emphasis on faith-based service delivery providers and new priorities that could fundamentally alter how homelessness services are funded and delivered.

This episode breaks down the latest federal budget proposals and what they could mean for communities across the country. Director of Public Policy Nick Cook unpacks the unprecedented increase in defense spending alongside the proposed 10% reductions across nearly every other area of federal funding, exploring how these shifts reflect changing national priorities. The conversation reviews the housing related line items expected and examines what these cuts could mean for local governments, nonprofits, and everyday people already navigating economic instability.

What does unsheltered homelessness look like right now on the ground? In this episode, Khadja Erickson ( https://trcmm.org) joins the pod to discuss direct street outreach, the changing landscape of encampments, the growing health risks and other challenges facing people surviving outdoors. From chronic injuries and untreated medical conditions, Khadja explains how street outreach teams are responding to increasingly isolated situations with limited resources. The conversation also highlights the rise in young families and children experiencing homelessness and the growing challenges communities face in meeting their needs via street outreach (with very limited funding). This episode offers an honest look at the realities many communities never see — and why the need for housing, outreach support, and coordinated solutions continues to grow.

This episode unpacks a controversial new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Veterans Affairs— and what it signals for the future of homelessness policy, particularly for veterans. At the heart of this conversation is a fundamental policy question: should homelessness and disability-related vulnerability be met with expanded systems of care and housing support, or with increased legal control over individuals’ lives? Director of Public Policy (and former Army Major Nick Cook) uses his 13 years of active duty to share his unique military perspective. Senior Director of Advocacy and Engagement (and attorney) also maps out the legal implications and clarifications. Summary of Memo of Understanding from the National Low Income Housing Coalition

In this episode, guest Johanna Kononen (Michigan Coalition to End Domestic and Sexual Violence) explores the critical link between domestic abuse and sexual assault and the disproportionate rates of homelessness among women and children. She discusses how unsafe home environments often force individuals to flee with little to no resources, leaving them vulnerable to housing instability. The conversation highlights the systemic gaps in support services, the challenges survivors face in securing safe and stable housing, and the importance of trauma-informed approaches. Johanna also underscores the need for stronger community responses and policy solutions to prevent homelessness before it begins.

Join attorney Elly Jordon from the Michigan Poverty Law Center as she outlines the public benefits changes as a result of the 2025 H.R. 1 (formerly the Big Beautiful Bill) and how these changes impacts you and your clients.

Meet hosts Sarah Prout Rennie, Director of Advocacy and Engagement and Nick Cook, Director of Public Policy. They will introduce themselves and their vision for this podcast. And why the time is NOW for MCAH's newest offering!