In this excellent episode, Nancy and Jose are joined in studio by Greg Anglea, the CEO of Interfaith Community Services, which started in 1979 to empower people in need to stabilize and improve their lives through comprehensive programs, in partnership with diverse faith communities and people of compassion. Greg, who joined Interfaith in 2006 and became CEO in 2014, leads this unique organization in delivering services to over 20,000 annually, with services ranging from food and substance-abuse treatment to vocational training and homelessness.

We learn from Greg that his path to making the world a better place was heavily influenced by his mother, who was an adult literacy teacher and a Methodist Minister. Her passion for creating change and social justice made a very early and lasting impact on Greg. No doubt his Mom, who passed away 10 years ago, would be proud of the leader and change agent he has become.

And what are some of the changes he is trying to make happen for North County citizens in need? First and foremost is safety and security, which is increasingly difficult given the lack of shelters and transitional housing, which Greg points out are very much needed for 18-24 month periods of stability. Helping residents eradicate the hold of drugs and alcohol over their lives is also an important element of Interfaith. Greg makes a very important point with respect to substance abuse - the declining cost of drugs is exacerbating the problem, with a special mention that fentanyl has clearly become the drug of choice.

Quite an excellent episode and conversation on homelessness and other challenges met daily by Interfaith. Here are some other takeaways from the interview with Greg Anglea:

- His initial interest in working internationally on global challenges
- The data-informed #1 reason for homelessness
- "Homeless in San Diego" podcast started by Interfaith involves guests who have been homeless
- The answers to the Rapid Fire questions!

A truly informative, educational, and impactful interview from an excellent gap minder. Thank you, Greg, for your contributions to helping make San Diego a better community, and for joining us on The Gap Minders.

Enjoy this episode and be sure to subscribe to the show.

If you have any questions or want to contact Nancy or Jose, please send an email to podcast@uwsd.org. Thank you for listening.

To learn more about the two social impact organizations making The Gap Minders possible, please visit www.TheGapMinders.org.