Will James

Will James, a seasoned reporter and producer at KUOW, dives into the Housing First initiative aimed at addressing homelessness. He highlights personal stories, including Kenny Taylor's journey from homelessness to stable housing, while candidly discussing the initiative's successes and shortcomings. The conversation addresses ongoing criticisms of the Housing First model amid rising homelessness rates and the looming fentanyl crisis, ultimately questioning if the approach is enough to support those in need.

Will James, a seasoned KUOW Audio Documentary Producer, dives into the contentious debate over the Housing First approach to homelessness. He reveals personal success stories that highlight the transformative impact of stable housing, contrasting this with traditional treatment models. The podcast explores the backlash against Housing First, driven by critics, and raises critical questions about its effectiveness amidst rising homelessness. James emphasizes the importance of understanding mental health and addiction within the context of supportive housing, fostering an engaging discussion on potential paths forward.

Sidney Brownstone, an investigative reporter with the Seattle Times, and Will James, host of the Lost Patients podcast, dive into the haunting legacy of Northern State Hospital. They discuss the paradox of mental healthcare, where a facility designed for rehabilitation ultimately fell prey to the chaos of deinstitutionalization. The duo highlights the story of Phil Diro, illustrating the harsh realities faced by former patients as they navigated a failing support system. Their conversation sheds light on the ongoing challenges in mental health care and society's responsibility.