Hi, I’m Gunther
I governed a NW city while homeless under a bridge. This is my unique story, along with insights for other U.S. politicians.
Documentary Short
“Listening to his story changed my entire perspective about homelessness” (Community feedback)
A few years ago, the Los Angelos Times featured me in a story off their front page. Days later, NPR phoned. Since then I have spoken at State conferences, before Mayors and Congressmembers, at dinner engagements, and veterans groups. In 2019, an organization approached me to do a short documentary on my unique story of governing a city from beneath a bridge — rats and all. Here it is:
https://tinyurl.com/GoverningFromBeneathABridge
Veteran Biography
I started off as one of those young boys reading under the sheets with a flashlight at night. I had a hundred books and a hundred dreams. And for the next thirty years I was a scuba instructor, lived on a tropical island, rode motorcycles, and dove with sharks — they really aren’t as dangerous as movies portray.
And then a few years ago life got real, and I became one of those people you read about in the papers; a homeless veteran. But it got even stranger. By day I would be sleeping with rats and panhandling to make it, and by night I’d be on TV approving million dollar checks while governing a city. No one knew, as I kept it secret due to the stigma it creates.
Today my life has become this whacky constellation of having now been homeless personally, governed a city as one (as a City Councillor), been an outreach and case worker, helped start and supervise a tiny home village , and now a speaker.
From that 6 year old’s flashlight until today, it’s been an adventure — as all lives should be.
Tod Gunther
Articles
The Five Filters
I’m often asked by colleagues what my best advice is from living on the streets? Tips that will help make more informed and just decisions at the dais? This card is that. It is free for personal use, hanging by a desk, or professional sharing at no cost. This card is also explained more in the “Articles” section, coming soon. PS. Make sure you view both sides.
Speaking Events
Tod is available for keynotes, breakout sessions, zoom calls, or media interviews. He has spoken at a variety of events and often leaves the audience moved or changed. Please reach out for a list of testimonies or available dates from the "Contact Me" box below, or at: staff@homelesspolitician.com
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