A Young Person's Insights on Familial Homelessness:

Kiara's Story of Growth in Difficult Times

Tune in here

Last week's episode

Season 1: Episode 5

Release Date: 12/10/24

Host: Gabby Cunningham

Guest: Kiara Cunningham

Show Notes:

[00:00] Introduction

• Gabby Cunningham introduces "When I Was Homeless," a podcast focusing on the human side of homelessness.

• Emphasis on the episode featuring her daughter, Kiara Cunningham, sharing her personal journey with familial homelessness.

[02:15] Returning to New York

• Discusses the family returning from a vacation in Florida.

• The purchase of a new home in a New York suburb.

• Kiara and her sister, Kennedy, get sick, suspected to be an early COVID-19 case.

[05:30] The Pandemic's Impact

• New York shuts down, affecting daily life.

• The family considers subletting their home and traveling in an RV, visiting RV shows in Florida.

[08:45] Accommodation Challenges in Florida

• Airbnb cancellation in Clearwater, leading to a move to Orlando.

• Kiara’s sister Kyra falls seriously ill, leading to paralysis and hospitalization.

[13:00] Navigating Medical Challenges

• Kyra’s month-long stay in the hospital, including ICU.

• Emotional impact of dealing with illness after their father's death.

[17:20] Financial Strain and Regret

• Financial struggles due to subletter issues and mortgage responsibilities.

• Kiara reflects on the challenges and regrets of deciding to travel via RV.

[21:15] Experiencing Homelessness in Hotels

• Life in Florida hotels due to high housing costs.

• Difficulty saving due to weekly hotel expenses.

• The impact of transient living on resources.

[25:40] Coping with Mental Health Struggles

• Kiara's struggles with anxiety, hypochondria, and feeling powerless.

• Finding comfort in dogs, self-care, and opportunities for personal growth.

[30:30] The Impact of Not Having an Address

• Challenges in obtaining ID without a permanent address, affecting job prospects.

• Family's transient phase due to medical needs and eventual stability in Jacksonville.

[35:00] Pursuing Opportunities and Identity

• Kiara secures an ID and begins CNA training and graphic arts classes.

• Reflects on the impact of homelessness on identity and job opportunities.

[40:15] Breaking Stereotypes and Realizing Realities

• Kiara and Gabby emphasize that homelessness can affect anyone.

• Discussion on families living in hotels despite employment.

• Advocate for services supporting transient individuals.

[45:00] Advice and Closing Remarks

• Kiara offers advice for young adults experiencing homelessness, focusing on personal growth and resilience.

• Gabby praises Kiara's bravery in sharing her story and encourages listeners to support families in need.

[50:00] Conclusion and Resources

• Gabby directs listeners to "formybonuschild.org" for more info, conversation starters, workbook points, and resources.

• Encouragement to listen with compassion and act with kindness.

[52:30] Credits and Acknowledgments

• Thanks to Kiara Cunningham for sharing her story.

• Acknowledgments to listeners and contributors to the podcast.

Please visit "formybonuschild.org" for more informational content related to this episode and ways to support families encountering homelessness.

Conversation Starters

1. Reflecting on Resilience: After hearing Kiara's story, how do you think resilience factors into overcoming challenges faced by families experiencing homelessness? Share your thoughts and any personal experiences here.



2. Pandemic Impact: Kiara and her family faced numerous obstacles during the pandemic, including health crises and financial strain. How did the pandemic change your perspective on the stability of housing and family security?



3. Transience and Identity: Kiara struggled with obtaining an ID due to transience, impacting her sense of identity and access to opportunities. Do you believe that access to stable housing and identification should be a fundamental right? Why or why not?



4. Family Dynamics in Crisis: How do you think family dynamics change under the pressure of homelessness? Share your insights or personal stories about supporting each other through such tough times.



5. Creative Coping Mechanisms: Kiara found solace in her art and spending time with dogs during hard times. What creative or unconventional coping mechanisms have you discovered in challenging moments?



6. Homelessness Stereotypes: Kiara emphasized that homelessness can affect anyone, not just those fitting certain stereotypes. How can communities work to break these stereotypes and offer more inclusive support?



7. Support for Young Adults: What advice would you give to young adults like Kiara experiencing homelessness with their families? Share resources or suggestions that have made a difference in other's lives.



8. Lessons from "The Florida Project": Have you seen the movie "The Florida Project"? What connections do you draw between its portrayal of motel living and Kiara's experiences as shared in the episode?



9. Navigating Medical Needs: Kiara's family faced challenges due to medical needs and frequent relocations. How should communities address the intersection of healthcare and housing instability?



10. Financial Strain of Transience: Discuss the financial impact of living in hotels and motels, like Kiara's family experienced. What innovative solutions can help families escape the cycle of week-to-week living expenses?

Episode Worksheet: Kiara's Interview on "When I was Homeless..."

Objective: This worksheet aims to reinforce the topics explored in this podcast episode by encouraging reflection, understanding, and compassion about familial homelessness, its complexities, and the human experiences behind it.

Part 1: Reflection and Understanding

1. Initial Impressions

   • What were your initial thoughts and feelings after listening to Kiara's story?

   • How did the episode challenge or change your understanding of homelessness?

2. Personal Connection

   • Can you recall a time when you felt instability or uncertainty? How did you manage the situation?

   • What activities or practices help you regain a sense of control during challenging times?

3. Empathy and Compassion

   • How does Kiara's story encourage you to listen with compassion and act with kindness toward those experiencing homelessness?

   • Reflect on a moment from the episode that particularly resonated with you and explain why.

Part 2: Key Themes Exploration

1. Impact of Health and Illness

   • How did Kiara's family cope with serious health challenges, and how did these experiences affect their homelessness journey?

   • Discuss the potential challenges families face when medical emergencies arise without stable housing.

2. Economic and Housing Instability

   • What economic challenges did Kiara's family face while living in temporary accommodation?

   • Explain how staying in motels can trap families financially and the broader implications of this situation.

3. Mental Health and Resilience

   • How did mental health conditions impact Kiara during these times, and what strategies did she use to cope and build resilience?

   • Identify activities that support your mental health and resilience, especially in difficult situations.

Part 3: Discussion and Application

1. Societal Perceptions and Misconceptions

   • How does Kiara's story challenge stereotypical perceptions of homelessness?

   • Discuss why understanding homelessness as an experience, not an identity, is important.

2. Supporting Families

   • What steps can we take as individuals and as a society to better support families experiencing homelessness or housing instability?

   • Reflect on Gabby's call for providing services that assist people living in transient situations and propose one actionable idea to contribute to this cause.

3. Future Aspirations and Growth

   • What aspirations does Kiara have for her future, and how does her journey highlight the importance of growth and education?

   • Reflect on your own aspirations and any steps you can take to pursue educational and career opportunities, regardless of current challenges.

Part 4: Additional Resources

• Watch "The Florida Project" to gain a cinematic perspective on living in motels and the reality of transient families. (Currently streaming on HBO and HBO Max)

Note: Remember to approach these topics with an open heart and mind, recognizing the deeply human experiences that each story of homelessness entails.