In Episode 10 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I met Tina Marie—an elder in the Greenville community who graciously shared her story of resilience while facing homelessness as a senior.

After losing her partner and being pushed out of a rooming house, Tina found herself sleeping in a storage unit and later behind churches and buildings—just trying to stay warm and safe. She opened up about how quickly housing can be lost, how stigma affects her daily interactions, and what it feels like to be overlooked by systems meant to help.

Despite navigating health challenges and recent mini-strokes, Tina remains sharp, spirited, and independent. She even spoke about helping others by sharing meals and cleaning spaces, all while unhoused herself.

Her story is a reminder that homelessness can affect anyone—and that older adults, especially women, face added layers of risk. Tina Marie is more than her situation. She’s a leader, a survivor, and someone we can all learn from if we just stop and listen.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 9 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I sat down with Troy in downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

A lifelong DJ with deep musical roots, Troy opened up about how the unexpected loss of his younger brother—his closest friend and fellow DJ—shaped his return to Greenville and began his journey through homelessness. What stood out most in our conversation was Troy’s honesty about grief, his desire to make his own way, and his new role as an advocate.

He now sits on a local homelessness coalition, offering firsthand insight about what the unhoused community truly needs.

Troy also shared how daily survival comes with difficult decisions—where to sleep, how to stay warm, and how to access something as basic as a restroom. His story is a powerful reminder of why proximity matters and why those with lived experience must be at the center of any real solution.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]

In Episode 8 of Season 2 of the Imagine Dignity Podcast, I sat down with Miss. Pinky, a woman whose heart for serving others shines even through her own hardships.

Miss. Pinky shared her powerful story of becoming unhoused as a senior citizen after experiencing mistreatment by a landlord who made repairs to her home and then forced her out—without warning while she was away.

Despite facing homelessness herself, Miss. Pinky continued her ministry, serving and loving others in the streets of Greenville, South Carolina.

She spoke about the importance of visibility, dignity, and servant leadership, and how critical it is for more people to step up and care for the community around them.

With 45 years of community service under her belt, Miss. Pinky’s story is a reminder that generosity, compassion, and commitment to others can become hope even in the toughest times. Her dream to do more for Greenville is a call for all of us to see and serve those who are often overlooked.

Watch YouTube Video Podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[HERE]