What’s Up Wake features Tyree Dudley, founder of The Other Side of Raleigh, an organization working to connect with Raleigh’s unhoused community and bring attention to stories that often go unnoticed.

Tyree shares how he moved from New Jersey to Raleigh to expand his marketing and branding business, only to discover a much bigger purpose while working downtown near Moore Square. After building relationships with people experiencing homelessness, he began sharing their stories on social media. One of his first videos reached 130,000 views and led to community members immediately stepping up to meet the needs being shared.

The conversation explores the misconceptions surrounding homelessness and why understanding someone’s story matters. Tyree explains how The Other Side of Raleigh works to bridge the gap between people who want to help and people who need help, while also connecting the community with organizations such as Oak City Cares, the Carter Clinic, and Healing Transitions.

Tyree also talks about the Community Makeover, an event that gave 10 community members a day focused on feeling seen and valued. From haircuts and new clothes to shopping, dining, and spending time together, the experience created new friendships and gave participants a chance to feel like part of the community.

The episode also looks at Raleigh’s rapid growth, rising housing costs, the role of government, and Tyree’s hope to eventually expand The Other Side of Raleigh beyond Raleigh to other communities. He shares how the organization has grown far beyond what he originally expected and why he believes the best approach is to take things day by day.

Tyree explains how people can get involved through donations and volunteering at theothersideofraleigh.org, and shares plans for an upcoming car giveaway.

00:00 Presented By

00:10 Bloomin' Blinds Raleigh

00:39 Local Sponsor Spots

01:53 Homelessness Spotlight Setup

02:35 Meet Tyree Dudley

03:23 From Marketing To Mission

05:00 First Story Goes Viral

06:38 Why Other Side Raleigh

08:53 Misconceptions About Homelessness

12:01 Community Steps Up

13:01 Amanda Lamb Joins In

13:56 Making People Feel Seen

18:17 Partnering With Local Nonprofits

19:09 Community Makeover Event

20:13 Giving Back on Birthday

21:01 Makeover Day Emotions

22:36 Next Event Upgrades

23:14 Community Do Gooders

23:53 What Government Can Do

25:57 Raleigh Growth and Displacement

28:12 Bigger Than Raleigh Vision

29:08 How You Can Help

29:38 Five-Year Goals

31:05 Donations, Volunteers, and Car Giveaway

31:59 Where to Follow and Wrap Up