Join hosts Christopher Archiopoli and Elizabeth Dahl for a heartfelt episode of King County Recovery Conversations, where community, compassion, and intentionality take center stage. Elizabeth Dahl, outgoing executive director of Aurora Commons, reflects on 11 years of transforming North Seattle through radical hospitality and a deep dedication to belonging. Dive into her journey from coffee shops to cultivating a resource hub and safe haven for neighbors facing homelessness, housing instability, and addiction.

This episode explores how Aurora Commons became a “neighborhood living room,” offering not just food and advocacy, but a vital sense of welcome. Listeners will hear how strategic partnerships, trust-building, and removing barriers have fueled real healing—and why belonging truly lasts longer than a roof. Elizabeth Dahl also shares insights on engaging the broader community and sustaining empathy, even amid funding cuts and public misconceptions.

Discover how you can support Aurora Commons and help continue the cycle of hope and healing. Tune in for stories, lessons, and inspiration from one of the region’s most impactful community leaders.

Resources from the episode:

• Learn more about Aurora Commons: https://auroracommons.org/

• Donate, volunteer, or buy items for Aurora Commons' holiday gift bags: https://auroracommons.org/

• Email Elizabeth Dahl: elizabeth@auroracommons.org

• Learn more about King County Recovery Coalition and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.kcrecovery.org/

• The King County Recovery Coalition is a regional coalition of the Washington Recovery Alliance (WRA). Learn more about the WRA and the work they do ⁠here⁠: https://www.washingtonrecoveryalliance.org/

• If you are experiencing substance, use disorder, problem gambling, and/or a mental health challenge, please visit the ⁠Washington Recovery Helpline⁠ for resources and a 24-hour helpline: https://www.warecoveryhelpline.org/

King County Recovery Conversations is a podcast on a mission to celebrate recovery and help break the stigma of addiction and mental health. In each episode, policy experts, program professionals, and those with lived experience join host Heather Venegas to share stories of hope, resilience, and healing in our community. Together, we’ll learn about the various pathways to recovery – and the services and support systems available to anyone impacted by addiction and mental health. Whether you're someone seeking recovery, someone in recovery, a family member or friend, or a healthcare professional, this podcast is for you.

Connect with King County Recovery Coalition ⁠online⁠, on Facebook (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠), or on YouTube (⁠@KingCountyRecoveryCoalition⁠).

If you have feedback or show ideas, contact host Heather Venegas at ⁠heather@kcrecovery.org⁠.

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/king-county-recovery/message