On The Rise Podcast - Sn. 3 - Ep. 4 - Walter Herres - Shilo New Jersey Executive Director

Episode Summary :

Sometimes, you go through a situation that awakens you to become the solution provider. Today, we host a special guest who lived in the street for years but turned into a homeless advocate. In this episode, our guest is Walter Herres. Walter is an executive director who is a formerly homeless individual helping to resolve the homelessness problem in New Jersey. He was raised by foster parents but kicked out of their home while a teenager. Walter went to jail at 19 years. Later he struggled to live in the street for over 10 years. In this show, Walter shares his story and journey in founding SHILO, New Jersey. He explains how this non-profit organization is working to resolve homelessness in partnership with other organizations.

Quote of the Day :

“Open your eyes, look within, are you satisfied with the life you're living.” - Bob Marley Getting to Know our Guest : Walter Herres is the founder and executive director of SHILO (Supporting Homeless and Innovatively Loving Others), New Jersey. He is an entrepreneur and a former homeless who transformed to advocate for homeless individuals. He has vast experience living homeless from his teenage. He went to jail at the age of 19 years. His life in the street inspired Walter to create an organization to help homeless individuals. With other partners, they are focusing on providing resources to the unhoused population in New Jersey.

Key Talking Points of the Episode : [01:37] Qoute of the day and guest’s thought about it [06:23] Walter’s background story [08:39] Kicked out and going to jail at 19 years [15:27] Walter’s turning point. [20:14] Walter’s bigest obstacle in the transformation journey [21:37] Common misconception about homelessness [22:31] When Walter realized his calling [25:23] Walter explaining what SHILO is and its mission in New Jersey. [32:21] SHILO’s next goal [38:14] Walter’s source of influence and inspiration. Connect with Walter : Facebook Instagram - shilonewjersey https://joinshilo.org Quotes from the Episode : "Open your eyes. Look Within? Are you satisfied with the life you're living?" "You need a little discontentment in the tank. I believe without that discontentment, there's no willingness to change." "Once you make it up to that goal, there'll be other soul distractions." "Job retention is the number one thing to stop you from homelessness." "It's going to take either you to wake yourself up, or it's going to take a constant poking by someone which is biggest enemy five years later is going to be your best friend. "You have your social services taken care of if you have your basic needs taken care of."