Giving Done Right Tackling the Root Causes of Homelessness with Susan Thomas
10 snips
Nov 21, 2024 Susan Thomas, President of the Melville Charitable Trust, is on a mission to tackle homelessness in the U.S., particularly for marginalized communities. She discusses her personal journey and its connection to systemic racism, emphasizing the need for deep understanding of the barriers people face. The conversation dives into historical practices like redlining, urging listeners to confront these injustices. Thomas advocates for a shift in philanthropy towards addressing root causes, highlighting the importance of education, collaboration, and supporting grassroots efforts.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Activism
- Susan Thomas's parents fought a housing discrimination lawsuit in Pittsburgh, securing their right to live where they chose.
- Her mother advocated for MLK Day as a school holiday, facing threats but instilling activism in Susan.
Root Causes of Homelessness
- Systemic racism and barriers to economic participation are the core issues driving homelessness.
- These systems disproportionately affect Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Educate Yourself
- Educate yourself about systemic racism's role in housing policy.
- Read books like "The Color of Law" and "The Color of Money" to understand historical context.
