Samaritans

Apr 02 2021 360

Samaritans Podcast artwork

Los Angeles County is spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to combat homelessness. Yet the problem is getting worse. Why? Well, part of the answer is simple: LA's severe shortage of affordable housing. But that's not all there is to it. For more than a year KCRW reporter Anna Scott followed a woman named Christine Curtiss through LA’s homeless services system to find answers. Listen to Christine's journey in the four-part podcast "Samaritans."

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An Update

Apr 02 2021 10 mins

Almost one year after we last heard from Christine Curtiss, a promise of permanent housing has come through. What does the end of the rainbow look like?

A Conversation With “Gimme Shelter”

Jun 10 2020 11 mins

Anna speaks with Liam Dillon of the LA Times and Matt Levin of CalMatters, who co-host the podcast "Gimme Shelter," about homelessness amid the pandemic, projections for the future and what local and state leaders are doing to try and prevent a worst case scenario. This episode was produced with help from Ray Guarna.

Homecoming

Jun 08 2020 19 mins

In the final episode of Samaritans, Christine moves into a new women’s shelter. But her future is still uncertain.

'Back and Forth'

Jun 08 2020 23 mins

In the third episode of Samaritans: For the first time in more than seven years, Christine sleeps indoors, in a bed with a roof over her head. But her new situation doesn’t last long.

'That Is The System'

Jun 08 2020 18 mins

In the second episode of Samaritans, Christine comes face-to-face with the life or death consequences of living outdoors.

'It’ll Get Done When It Gets Done'

Jun 08 2020 27 mins

In the first episode of Samaritans, we meet Christine Curtiss, learn where she came from and what her everyday life is like on the street. She has a community of friends in Mid-City, LA who look out for her. One of them enlists the local government in helping Christine. But getting help doesn’t necessarily mean getting housed.

Samaritans: Helping Christine Find a Home

Jun 08 2020 2 mins

Los Angeles County is spending hundreds of millions of dollars a year to combat homelessness. But why is the problem getting worse. ? For more than a year KCRW reporter Anna Scott followed a woman named Christine Curtiss through LA’s homeless services system. She found answers.