In this episode we will hear from Betsy, who shares her journey of feeling like she didn’t belong from an early age, becoming unhoused, and then persevering through substance misuse. She eventually finds a path to stability, including a harm-reduction focused recovery that she defines as "any positive change," and owning her own home. Now she is a Peer Navigator for the Denver Office of the Municipal Public Defender, supporting others who are on a similar journey. It is a story of courage and redemption and it is brought to you by our episode sponsor, Peak Resources.In the episode, Betsy talks about Peer Navigation or Peer Support Services, an evidence based, non-clinical service rooted in mutuality, empathy, combatting stigma, and providing hope. Peer support specialists are individuals who have gone through their own healing and recovery journey either from mental health, substance misuses, interaction with the criminal justice system, or homelessness. It is a growing occupation with core competencies, defined principles and values, statewide certifications, and best practices. To learn more about the history and movement of peer support, check this out: http://peersforprogress.org/pfp_blog/a-brief-history-of-peer-support-origins/. If you liked today's episode, please leave us a rating or review, and continue to follow along with the podcast and our unhoused neighbor's stories by subscribing to the podcast. Learn more about the rest of our work here: https://elevateddenver.co/, and if you are interested in sponsoring an episode, email sponsorship@elevateddenver.co. Thanks for listening!