The night began with an interactive simulation that placed participants in the shoes of someone navigating recovery while experiencing homelessness. Each person received a persona card, challenge sheet, and an empty bracelet string before rotating through stations that represented different parts of the system. With each scenario, choices led to beads added on their bracelets, symbolizing the journey toward housing and recovery. 

Panel Insights

Moderator and CFTH Senior Outreach Associate, Kris Donaldson, opened the panel with a memory from their first day in outreach: witnessing a man die in encampment due to alcohol use disorder. It was a powerful reminder of how homelessness and recovery intersect.

Panelists then shared their own experiences:

• Amber Honsinger, Program Director at The Harris Center, recalled meeting Victor, whose simple self-introduction challenged stereotypes.
• Frederick Weatherspoon, Counselor of Outpatient Services at The Council on Recovery, reflected on nearly 30 years of homelessness, compounded by criminal history and mental health barriers, before housing gave him the foundation to heal.
• Judy Chavez, Interim CEO for The Council on Recovery, emphasized seeing the whole person—physical, emotional, and spiritual—in the process of recovery.

The panel addressed common misconceptions, including the belief that people “choose” homelessness or that addiction defines worth. Frederick shared how being told he was “too far gone” nearly crushed his hope but how it fueled his determination to become a counselor. They agreed that stigma is often the greatest barrier, while empathy and respect can open doors to recovery.