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Youth Empowerment Radio
This podcast was created by young people as a project of Youth MOVE Colorado, a youth-led organization. This is meant to serve as a fun, educational, and community-building resource for youth with lived experience. We will be having organic conversations about everything from making friends to advocating for change, and interviewing other changemakers along the way!
Youth Empowerment Radio
Episode 25 - Interview with Jeff Cuneo, Legal Advocacy for Unhoused Youth
Empowering Homeless Youth through Legal Aid: An Interview with Jeff Cuneo
In this extensive conversation, we get introduced to Jeff Cuneo, the Executive Director of the Colorado Homeless Legal Project. Jeff details his passion for helping youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, and his journey from being a juvenile public defender in California to setting up a nonprofit in Colorado. He shares his commitment to providing civil legal services and shedding light on the issues that the homeless youth encounter, including various legal barriers. The interview also provides an insight into the state of homelessness, how the judicial system treats individuals facing homelessness, and the importance of addressing the legal aspects of their plight. Moreover, Jeff discusses his efforts to offer pro bono legal services, the common legal issues faced by homeless youth, and how individuals can avail of his organization's services.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Presentation
00:18 Understanding Jeff's Role and Organization
01:44 Jeff's Journey into Non-Profit Work
03:53 Legal Barriers Faced by Young People
07:28 Recommendations for Organizations Working with Youth
10:36 Understanding the Complexity of Homelessness
18:53 Common Crimes Committed by Unhoused Youth
21:08 Law Enforcement's Response to Petty Crimes
25:16 Accessing Legal Services for Youth
26:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts