Charles King and Jeb Backe
Recorded
March 22, 2025
41:02 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddv002819
Description
Jeb Backe (28) interviews conversation partner Charles King (70) about his journey creating Housing Works, an organization dedicated to ending the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS. Charles discusses his upbringing, religious background, civic engagement, and experiences during the covid-19 pandemic.Subject Log / Time Code
Charles King (CK) talks about his upbringing and journey becoming a minister.
CK tells the story of how he resigned from his Baptist church to come out of the closet and create a new ministry.
CK talks about how he started Housing Works and how it relates to his ministry.
CK remembers driving the ministry bus in Huntsville, Texas.
CK talks about how he got involved in acts of civil disobedience to protest housing inequities for people with HIV/AIDS in New York City.
CK talks about the services Housing Works has grown to provide.
CK recalls getting arrested after emptying furniture into the lobby of the Housing Preservation & Development headquarters.
CK shares some of the accomplishments he’s most proud of.
CK talks about how the pandemic affected people experiencing homelessness in New York City and Housing Works’ operations.
CK talks about the hotels he helped operate to house people with covid and recently incarcerated people. He also reflects on how the organization expanded their mission.
CK talks about how he feels the new presidential administration is hindering his work.
CK reflects on American values and shares a call for action.
Participants
- Charles King
- Jeb Backe