Episode 18: From Roots to Home: Visualizing the journey through homelessness

Join us for the last episode of our mini-series on homelessness and belonging, featuring Erin Dej and Jason Webb discussing "From Roots to Home," an art piece born from shared experiences of homelessness. Erin, a criminology professor, brings her lens to the discussion, while Jason, a policy researcher, shares insights. Guests Deborah Hill, Simon Lazanja, and Barb McPhee contribute, weaving a narrative of resilience and hope. "From Roots to Home" portrays growth from hardship to home, symbolized by a maple tree. Through art and storytelling, we highlight the struggles of homelessness and the potential for stability. This collaborative process illuminates hardships while offering hope for change.

Read the transcript

Episode Notes

More about our episode co-hosts:

• Erin Dej is an associate professor in the Department of Criminology at Wilfrid Laurier University. Erin is a critical criminologist who has been researching homelessness for 15 years. Erin received a PhD from the Department of Criminology at the University of Ottawa and an MA in Legal Studies from Carleton University. Before joining Laurier, Erin held a SSHRC funded postdoctoral fellowship with the Canadian Observatory on Homelessness, York University.
• Jason Webb is the Senior Policy Researcher at the BC First Nations Justice Council. He's developing a pre-arrest diversion program for Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness in Prince George, BC. Jason earned a PhD from York University and held a Post-Doctoral Fellowship at Wilfrid Laurier University. Jason brings a wealth of knowledge and experience on topics ranging from criminalization, homelessness, and citizenship. With his extensive background in qualitative research, Jason contributes unique insights from a critical sociological lens to the policy domain.

A thank you to our advisory group members who lead the storytelling in this episode:

• Barb McPhee: Lived experience expert for over 50 years providing communities, families and individuals facing challenges in their lives with supports and direction. Focusing on the poverty pillars of housing, food and health insecurities using care and kindness.
• Deborah Hill: is a mom of four. She is a survivor of substance use, domestic violence, and homelessness. Deborah is an Indigenous who has returned to school and received a diploma and an undergraduate degree in Community Services. She is determined to advocate for the vulnerable population experiencing mental health and substance use.
• Simon Lazanja: Was a former football player at high level. Built a tool and die company from nothing. Recovering alcoholic.

Support and Funding for This Episode

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

This episode was produced by Avery Moore Kloss from Folktale Studio.