In this podcast we again welcome Kurt Krueger as we dive into the many faces of peace and how this applies to what's happening right now in 2025. We discuss the crucial links between the personal feeling of peace inside of us and how it affects what is happening in the space around us. Using real-world experiences, Kurt brings his wisdom to bear on today's challenges that we all are facing. He discusses how it works in real time physiologically, then in real situations, and how this ripples out to achieve a state change in the community. How do we "calm the waters" when people all around the world are confronting different types of trauma, tension, and stress?

Join Whatcom County's own Joy Gilfilen as she welcomes special guests Mel Hoover and Rose Eddington of Mel Rose Ministries.

This isn't just encouragement; it's wisdom, knowledge, hope, and a vision for navigating turbulent times. Mel and Rose, elders wise in years, share profound insights from their lives spanning eras from the Civil War to the present. They dive into how historical shifts, media, and cultural narratives have shaped our understanding of justice, community, and nationhood.

Prepare for a deep conversation that untangles the "snaggletooth" layers of chaos in our society, from the impact of early television to the complexities of Christian nationalism and the true meaning of "we the people." This episode challenges listeners to ground themselves, confront the forces of oppression, and consider how obscene wealth impacts our collective well-being and the planet.

Don't miss this crucial dialogue on learning from the past to shape a more just future for all generations.

Find iChange Justice every Thursday locally and everywhere you get your podcasts.

This Thursday dive into the latest episode of iChange Justice podcast with our host Joy Gilfilen featuring Doug Gustafson, Chairman of HomesNOW, a Whatcom County 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to ending homelessness. This isn't just about housing; it's about empowerment. 🏡

Doug shares how Homes Now's innovative, tenant-run model is transforming lives right here in Whatcom County. You'll hear about success stories like the North Haven Tiny Home Community, where residents are not only housed but also actively involved in building and managing their own shelters. This unique approach provides housing and equips individuals with valuable construction and life skills, fostering true self-sufficiency. 💪

"We're not just providing a place to live; we're empowering people to be part of the solution to their own housing situation," says Doug. "This model proves that when government, community, and those experiencing homelessness work together, everyone wins."

The episode also highlights how HomesNow has driven significant changes in local policy, transforming arbitrary housing limits into sustainable, community-driven solutions through collaborative efforts and a pragmatic mindset.

Discover the challenges overcome, the lessons learned, and the replicable strategies that make HomesNow a beacon of hope and a blueprint for other communities. Tune in to understand how empathy, practical problem-solving, and collaboration can lead to transformative social change.