Homeless

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Record Homelessness in the Spotlight, But With Little Focus on the Root Cause

The Blog

6 Feb 2012 | 3:01 pm

Homelessness in NYC is at an all-time high, fueled in large part by an increase in the number of families experiencing multiple episodes of homelessness.
2 new charges for suspect in Ca. homeless killings

HOMELESS - Yahoo! News Search Results

6 Feb 2012 | 1:59 pm

A former Marine already accused of killing four homeless men was charged Monday with two new counts of murder in the stabbing deaths of his high school friend's mother and older brother.
Alyssa Jung: What If the Bills Were in the Super Bowl?

Homelessness on Huffington Post

Alyssa Jung

3 Feb 2012 | 2:48 am

There's my fantasy -- hey, a girl can dream! Now share yours. This totally helps, I swear. The dark cloud of doom and despair hovering above me has temporarily lifted and I'm almost not dreading a Super Bowl party with all Giants fans. Read more: ChicksintheHuddle.Com, Bills Chick, Indy, Ciroc, New York Giants, Homeless, Buffalo Bills, Alyssa Jung, Patriots, Super Bowl, Bills, Role Play, Chicks-in-the-Huddle, Sports News
State leaders unite to end a tough problem: homelessness (Times Dispatch, February 5, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

Polls continue to show that many Americans regard Washington, D.C., as a hopelessly dysfunctional caldron of political acrimony and gridlock. But in Virginia, political leaders of both parties are proving that Republicans and Democrats of good will and political courage can come together to address some of the commonwealth's toughest problems. A marvelous example of such bipartisan cooperation came early in the new legislative session. On Dec. 19, Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, proposed a budget for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 that includes $1.5 million in new funds to combat and end…
Joel John Roberts: Homeless Census Should Count Stories, Not Heads

Homelessness on Huffington Post

Joel John Roberts

1 Feb 2012 | 7:27 am

One, two, three... In the darkness of early morning, the counting can be monotonous, an exercise that almost puts you to sleep. I have written before... Read more: 100khomes, Homelessness, Third World America, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Impact News

InvisiblePeople.tv
Evelin

invisiblepeople

6 Feb 2012 | 8:54 pm

Tweet The day I met Evelin near San Jose, California she had over a month sober. Evelin says “I’m not interested in doing any drugs. I’m just interested in getting a safe place to stay”. That’s a very powerful statement. I honestly believe we can help so many people, and save tax payer money, by simply providing safe place for people to live and find dignity. Evelin was lucky. She found EHC LifeBuilders. But we need more supportive housing so more people can find the help they need to rebuild their lives. Special thanks to EHC LifeBuilders and Housing 1000…
DeMarco

invisiblepeople

31 Jan 2012 | 11:22 am

Tweet DeMarco lives in a homeless shelter with his two boys near Detroit. At 45 years-old, DeMarco always thought life would be different. But because of a few mistakes and the economy he is forced to start over. Life for a single parent is hard, now add homelessness and life becomes a daily challenge! DeMarco talks about being a single dad and raising kids in while homeless. Special thanks to Solid Ground Related content: Carolynn Taylor and Mike Lee Anne Cheryl Randal
Carolynn

invisiblepeople

29 Jan 2012 | 7:36 pm

Tweet CAUTION: Some content may be offensive. Our hope is you’ll get mad enough to do something. The reason we post that disclaimer is for stories like this. Carolynn’s is not an easy story to watch. But it’s an important story that must be shared. Carolynn is homeless living on the mean streets for Detroit. She claimed to be the mother of Malice Green. Malice Green died while in police custody after being arrested by Detroit police. Carolynn says she’s been homeless by choice for over two years, but if you really listen, what she really mean is that life on the…
Ron

invisiblepeople

25 Jan 2012 | 11:49 pm

Tweet I met Ron at a homeless shelter in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. His story is far from usual. Ron lived in Boston with his wife and kids. He ended up in the custody of Homeland Security and was deported back to Canada with only the clothes on his back. Ron admits he has a drinking problem, and the infraction was driving without a license, yet deporting a man into homelessness and not allowing him to see his family seems a little harsh! For 20 years he cannot go back to the United States to see his family! *** after this interview I took Ron to Walmart to buy him some…
Maria

invisiblepeople

16 Jan 2012 | 9:22 pm

Tweet Maria and her fiancee ended up losing their apartment because of a high utility bill. The day I met Maria, they had been living in a Sacramento tent city for three days. They were ‘camping’ on the streets but received a ticket for being homeless. Since this interview everyone in this tent city has been evicted. Maria share with us what a day is like being homeless. They get up early to go to a park and get a lunch ticket. They split up to go to different homeless services for showers. Basically, their whole day is filled just trying to survive. Maria’s 1st wish was for…

Homelessness on Huffington Post
U.K. Christians Banned From Advertising Divine Healing

The Huffington Post News Team

6 Feb 2012 | 3:52 pm

By Al Webb Religion News Service LONDON (RNS) Britain's powerful media advertising watchdog has banned a Christian group from claiming on its webs... Read more: Video, Homelessness, Healing on Streets Ads Banned, Healing on the Streets Ads Banned, Healing on Streets Ads, Healing on the Streets, Healing on the Streets Ads, Prayer and Meditation, Religion News
Marian Wright Edelman: "I Just Want a Job"

Marian Wright Edelman

3 Feb 2012 | 11:30 am

Anyone who thinks welfare recipients do nothing but sit around and cash their checks isn't familiar with the schedules of Tiffany and many others like her. Read more: Public Schools, College Students, U.S. Economy, Poverty, Economy, Budget, Eviction, Economic Crisis, Drugs, School, Working Poor, Child Poverty, Education, Hunger, Homelessness, College, Homeless, Poor, Poverty in America, Forclosure, Welfare, Welfare Reform, Safety Net, Tanf, Food Pantries, Employment, Jobs, Unemployment, Job, Food Pantry, Politics News
Alyssa Jung: What If the Bills Were in the Super Bowl?

Alyssa Jung

3 Feb 2012 | 2:48 am

There's my fantasy -- hey, a girl can dream! Now share yours. This totally helps, I swear. The dark cloud of doom and despair hovering above me has temporarily lifted and I'm almost not dreading a Super Bowl party with all Giants fans. Read more: ChicksintheHuddle.Com, Bills Chick, Indy, Ciroc, New York Giants, Homeless, Buffalo Bills, Alyssa Jung, Patriots, Super Bowl, Bills, Role Play, Chicks-in-the-Huddle, Sports News
Sasha Abramsky: Romney's Safety Net

Sasha Abramsky

1 Feb 2012 | 11:05 am

It's not every day that a major national political candidate commits himself, on air, to fixing all the holes in the frayed safety net. If only he meant what he so glibly said. Read more: Minimum Wage, Unemployment, Poverty, Homelessness, Economy, Romney, Presidency, Election, Healthcare, Politics News
Joel John Roberts: Homeless Census Should Count Stories, Not Heads

Joel John Roberts

1 Feb 2012 | 7:27 am

One, two, three... In the darkness of early morning, the counting can be monotonous, an exercise that almost puts you to sleep. I have written before... Read more: 100khomes, Homelessness, Third World America, Department of Housing and Urban Development, Impact News

HOMELESS - Yahoo! News Search Results
Accused US homeless killer faces new charges

7 Feb 2012 | 8:46 am

An Iraq war veteran already accused of killing four homeless people in California has been charged with two additional murders, according to US authorities.
Suspect in homeless case charged in Oct. 25 stabbing deaths

7 Feb 2012 | 2:09 am

Itzcoatl Ocampo, a former Marine already accused of killing four homeless men, is charged in the stabbing deaths of his high school friend's mother and older brother in Yorba Linda. A former Marine already accused of murdering four homeless men was charged Monday in the October stabbing deaths of his high school friend's mother and older brother.
Homeless killings suspect faces new murder charges

6 Feb 2012 | 7:47 pm

A former Marine already accused of killing four homeless men was charged Monday with two new counts of murder in the stabbing deaths of his high school friend's mother and older brother.
Number of Homeless Female Veterans Rises Sharply, Report Finds

6 Feb 2012 | 6:01 pm

The number of homeless female veterans more than doubled from 2006 to 2010, according to a recently released government report that called for better services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
2 new charges for suspect in Ca. homeless killings

6 Feb 2012 | 1:59 pm

A former Marine already accused of killing four homeless men was charged Monday with two new counts of murder in the stabbing deaths of his high school friend's mother and older brother.

Homelessness: News & Videos about Homelessness - CNN.com
Suspect in California homeless killings faces additional murder charges

6 Feb 2012 | 9:23 am

A 23-year-old man prosecutors say fatally stabbed four homeless men in California will be charged Monday in connection with two other crimes: the brutal killings of a mother and son.
Suspect in homeless killings faces additional murder charges

4 Feb 2012 | 6:43 am

The man that prosecutors say is behind the stabbing deaths of four homeless men in Southern California now stands accused of the brutal killing of a mother and brother of an old friend, authorities said.
Iraq war vet charged with first-degree murder in 4 homeless men's deaths

18 Jan 2012 | 11:53 pm

Prosecutors have yet to decide whether they will seek the death penalty in their murder case against Itzcoatl Ocampo, a 23-year-old Iraq war veteran accused of stabbing four homeless men to death in California, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said Tuesday.
Stimulus money kept Americans off the street, study finds

18 Jan 2012 | 12:59 pm

Federal aid helped many cash-strapped Americans keep a roof over their heads during the prolonged economic slump, but the number of people living a step away from the streets has grown sharply, researchers reported Wednesday.
Pinkberry co-founder arrested on assault allegation

17 Jan 2012 | 11:14 pm

A co-founder of the Pinkberry frozen yogurt franchise has been arrested and is accused of beating a homeless man with a tire iron near downtown Los Angeles, authorities said Tuesday.

National Alliance to End Homelessness
State leaders unite to end a tough problem: homelessness (Times Dispatch, February 5, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

Polls continue to show that many Americans regard Washington, D.C., as a hopelessly dysfunctional caldron of political acrimony and gridlock. But in Virginia, political leaders of both parties are proving that Republicans and Democrats of good will and political courage can come together to address some of the commonwealth's toughest problems. A marvelous example of such bipartisan cooperation came early in the new legislative session. On Dec. 19, Gov. Bob McDonnell, a Republican, proposed a budget for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 that includes $1.5 million in new funds to combat and end…
Homeless Project Residents Drink Less If Booze Ban Is Lifted (Scientific American, February 3, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

This Sunday, millions of Americans will sit down in front of their television or computer, crack open a few beers, and watch the Super Bowl. But if those viewers live in a housing project for the homeless, that booze could get them booted back out to the street. Many homeless housing projects have strict abstinence policies, and require residents to be completely sober. Permitting alcohol, many community organizers reason, would enable addictions and promote a downward spiral into continued drinking and declining health. Now, a study suggests that requiring alcohol abstinence from residents…
Number of Homeless Female Veterans Rises Sharply, Report Finds (New York Times, February 6, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

The number of homeless female veterans more than doubled from 2006 to 2010, and they will remain at risk of abuse and lack of shelter without better services from the Department of Veterans Affairs, according to a recently released government report. The Government Accountability Office, the auditing arm of Congress, estimated that the ranks of homeless female veterans had risen more than 140 percent since 2006, to 3,328 in fiscal 2010. The report cautions, however, that the Veterans Affairs data is limited and cannot be generalized. The veterans department does not track homeless female…
Homeless Families, Cloaked in Normality (New York Times, February 3, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

ON the sixth day she was homeless, Tonya Lewis overslept. She woke in the dark, in Room 6E at the 93rd Avenue Family Residence, a privately run shelter in Jamaica, Queens. It was 4:45 a.m. She was already running late. Rousting her children — Unique, 15, and Jacaery, 2 — from their beds, Ms. Lewis got them dressed and started shoving DVDs and diapers into two bulging tote bags. When the boys were ready — sleepy, sullen, hoodied, backpacked, in hats and winter jackets — she pushed them out the door (“Come on, we gotta go!”) to begin their daily routine. It went like this: They took…
New Orleans’ homeless rate 2nd in nation, says new report (Associated Press, February, 5, 2012)

National Alliance to End Homelessness

6 Feb 2012 | 10:15 am

NEW ORLEANS -- New Orleans has the nation’s second-highest rate of homelessness -- nearly triple the national average and just barely below the rate in Tampa, Fla., according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. A new report from the group estimates that nearly 6,700 homeless people live in New Orleans. That’s a rate of 56 per 10,000; Tampa’s is 57 and the national average 21 per 10,000 residents. It’s based on an annual count made at the end of January by UNITY outreach workers in cities across the nation.

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness Articles RSS Feed
TAC Summary of New Homeless Definition

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness

30 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

On May 20, 2009, President Obama signed the Homeless Emergency and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009 into law. The HEARTH Act expands and clarifies the definition of homelessness for the Emergency Solutions Grant and Continuum of Care programs (Supportive Housing Program and Shelter Plus Care) programs. On December 5, 2011, HUD published the Final Rule on the HEARTH Definition of Homeless in the Federal Register. The Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) has developed a summary of the new homeless definition, including a discussion of when the new definition can be…
The State of Homelessness in America 2012

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness

27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

On Wednesday, January 18, the National Alliance to End Homelessness released The State of Homelessness in America 2012. The second in a series, this year's report finds that, unexpectedly, the bad economy did not lead to a large increase in homelessness, but that the number of homeless people actually decreased slightly between 2009 and 2011. This can be largely attributed to the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), the stimulus-funded program aimed at curbing homelessness resulting from the recession. Moreover, the report found that indicators associated with…
Summary of Changes to Definition of Homelessness

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness

27 Jan 2012 | 7:00 am

The National Alliance to End Homelessness published a summary and analysis of the changes to the definition of homelessness under the HEARTH Act. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published the final regulation on December 5, which went into effect on January 4. The brief highlights the changes to the definition compared to both the previous regulation and the draft changes proposed by HUD in April 2010. The brief includes a table summarizing the changes to various categories of homelessness. It also outlines the decisions that communities and individual…
US Conference of Mayors Hunger and Homelessness Survey 2011

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness

10 Jan 2012 | 8:00 am

On December 15, The United States Conference of Mayors released their annual report on hunger and homelessness in U.S. cities. In 25 of the 29 cities surveyed for the report, requests for emergency food and housing have increased - with the majority of those requests coming from families. 58 percent of surveyed cities said they experienced an increase in the number of homeless families - up by an average of 15 percent from the previous year. The report also examines programs that cities are implementing to address homelessness and hunger. Three of the cities surveyed are in North…
2011 Point-in-Time Estimates of Homelessness: Supplement to the AHAR

North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness

15 Dec 2011 | 10:00 am

On December 13, 2011, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the results of the January 2011 point-in-time count. According to their report, 636,017 people were homeless in the United States on a single night in January. This represents a 2.1 percent decline from the year before. HUD and the Department of Veterans Affairs also announced a 12 percent decline in the number of veterans experiencing homelessness. The number of veterans experiencing homelessness decreased from 76,329 homeless veterans to 67,495 homeless veterans between January 2010 and January 2011. …

Cleveland Homeless
Good News for the Shelters

6 Feb 2012 | 4:31 pm

Mild Winter and Low Numbers Welcomed by HomelessThis warm weather has been a big help for those trying to help homeless people, and we have not had to spend huge dollars on overflow in Cuyahoga County. Cleveland is one of the last cities in the United States that will find a place for everyone who shows up at the door requesting help. This has been policy for 20 years, and has kept the number of people who pass away down to a minimum. We do not have large numbers of people freezing to death that is seen in other cities. When things are horribly cold more people choose…
In Memory of a Friend

1 Feb 2012 | 4:02 pm

Gloria attended the 2011 Hand Up GalaGloria Wilson 1974-2012The Bishop Cosgrove Center remembered Gloria at a memorial on Monday January 30, 2012. Gloria helped us start a women's residence council at the Community Women's Shelter when the program was run by Catholic Charities. Before health issues limited her ability to attend meetings, she was always vocal about her opinion. Gloria attended Homeless Congress meetings, and encouraged others to speak up. She attended the St. James church and sang in the choir. She had found subsidized housing, which was the hand…
Privacy for Homeless People 2

1 Feb 2012 | 2:27 pm

Public Comment Due to HUD February 7, 2012The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless is recommending those experiencing homelessness and local advocates to respond to the call for public comments with regard to the release of Homeless Management Information Systems requirements. These rules are critical to the protection of privacy for homeless people, and could have a major impact on how the shelters are funded going forward. We have an advocacy alert available to those interested in responding just send us an e-mail and we will pass that along to you [neoch (at) advocacy…
Homeless Stand Down 2012

25 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm

A Wonderful Day for Those Experiencing Homelessness2012 Homeless Stand Down (photo by William Gilmore)2012 Stand Down at the Masonic Auditorium (photo by William Gilmore)All reports from the Stand Down was that it was a great day for those experiencing homelessness. There was a very good positive article in the Plain Dealer. HandsOn NEO took the lead and did a great job coordinating this huge event. Our long time partner, InterAct Cleveland, went out of business, and HandsOn Northeast Ohio took on all the responsibilities of this critical event. This is the 20th year…
Los Angeles Times Questionable Behavior

22 Jan 2012 | 1:45 pm

Is the LA Times Partially Responsible for a Homeless Death?Imagine the outcry if a major American paper put a picture of a women walking home in the dark on the front page of the paper when illustrating a story about a serial killer targeting women who were walking home late at night. What if they identified the woman's name and the very next week she was targeted and killed by that same serial killer. There would be protests and calls for a resignation of the editor from other papers. This happened in Los Angeles and there has not been a peep from the media or even an…

The Blog
Record Homelessness in the Spotlight, But With Little Focus on the Root Cause

6 Feb 2012 | 3:01 pm

Homelessness in NYC is at an all-time high, fueled in large part by an increase in the number of families experiencing multiple episodes of homelessness.
DHS Announces They Will NOT Pay February Rent for Current Advantage Tenants

3 Feb 2012 | 8:35 am

The legal fight will continue but future rent payments remain uncertain. Please click here for more information.
Discounting NYC Homelessness

31 Jan 2012 | 10:13 am

Last night the City mobilized its annual “count” of street homeless people – a flawed exercise that has only served to misinform the public about the true scale of the homelessness crisis in New York Cide}
Homeless but not Eligible for Shelter? - The Fight to Stop the City’s Shelter Denial Rules Continues

24 Jan 2012 | 1:35 pm

The City's proposed rules to deny shelter to homeless men and women faced its first major day in court.
Advantage Tenants: January Rent Will Be Paid!

19 Jan 2012 | 12:33 pm

Good news for current Advantage Tenants -- the City has announced it will pay January rent.

Picture the Homeless | The Blog - ORGANIZING FOR JUSTICE AND RESPECT
Make it a Banner Year!

admin

3 Feb 2012 | 12:25 am

As an organization of homeless people fighting back against invisibility and oppression, being seen is a big priority. read more
The PEN is Mightier Than the SWORD - Free Writing Classes for homeless and formerly homeless folks

admin

1 Feb 2012 | 2:32 pm

Picture the Homeless is excited to offer FREE WRITING CLASSES to all homeless and formerly-homeless people. We'll focus on: read more
PTH's February 2012 Calendar now online!

admin

1 Feb 2012 | 1:59 pm

Read up on our latest accomplishments and learn about upcoming events. Download/print your copy now!
Lots of Buzz About PTH's "Banking on Vacancy: Homelessness and Real Estate Speculation" Report

admin

31 Jan 2012 | 2:45 pm

In partnership with the Hunter College Center for Community Planning and Development, Picture the Homeless counted vacant buildings and lots in all five boroughs. Now, we're releasing our findings. Click here to download our groundbreaking reportBanking on Vacancy: Homelessness and Real Estate Speculation. read more
Picture the Homeless and Hunter College Release Unprecedented Report, That Reveals the Extent of Vacant Property in NYC

admin

26 Jan 2012 | 7:05 am

Banking On Vacancy: Homelessness and Real Estate Speculation Picture the Homeless and Hunter College Release Unprecedented Report That Reveals the Extent of Vacant Property in NYC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 26th, 2012 Contact: Adrian Antonio Paling or Kendall Jackman, Housing Campaign Leader read more

ChosenFast.com
TAPM to close HealthServe clinic used by homeless

Michele (CM)

2 Feb 2012 | 7:59 am

HealthServe or the emergency room are the only options for health care for many homeless people, who are uninsured, and so this does not seem to be good news: HealthServe Community Health Care Clinic will close one of its two Greensboro locations this month. The clinics, part of the Triad Adult and Pediatric Medicine program, concentrate on serving the poor and uninsured. That program, begun as a partnership between Guilford County and the Moses Cone and High Point Regional hospital systems, has been facing funding problems for several years. The county discussed lowering its annual…
Seven dollars

Michele (CM)

31 Jan 2012 | 2:44 pm

Via email from the Interactive Resource Center, Greensboro’s day center for people who are homeless, recently homeless or facing homelessness: We start every morning here at the IRC with a meeting in the day room to go over the schedule for the day, answer questions, share information, and often to discuss the inspirational quotes that Jenny puts up on the whiteboard. The meeting facilitation rotates among the staff; Friday is my morning. I took the opportunity last Friday to tell the 60 or so people assembled in the day room about a wonderful $15,000 challenge grant we’ve…
“This is Joshua Junior’s story.”

Michele (CM)

23 Jan 2012 | 4:04 pm

Josh Jones (image credit: Joshua Jones, Jr.) Josh Jones has lived through poverty, dysfunction, disability and homelessness. He’s one of the most resilient, determined, positive, helpful and loving people that I know. We met when I was a case manager in a church-based assistance ministry and he was my client. But he very quickly became my friend and my encourager. Josh wrote a book, Joshua Jones Jr. Story, dedicated to his mom, whom he takes care of. Proceeds from the book will help both Josh and his mom. I just ordered my copy. I hope you will, too. Here’s an excerpt that has…

The Homeless Guy
Knowledge for What?

5 Feb 2012 | 11:59 am

Dear people of Occupy. If you are to read just one book this year, make it "Knowledge for What?" by Robert Staughton Lynd. The book is hard to find cause it was written in the 1930s. But the information within will boaster your cause and your ideals with facts - facts that are just as true today as they were back then. This guy is the antithesis of Ayn Rand, and should be just as well known.
Class Warfare

4 Feb 2012 | 12:41 pm
Where It All Began

31 Jan 2012 | 2:51 pm

Where I am standing, shooting this video, is where my homelessness began, exactly 30 years ago. It is now a park, but it used to be a parking lot, and I lived in my car the parking lot, right there in front of the Davidson County/Nashville Court House. I would park my car down an alley until after hours, and then pull into this lot to spend the night. There are some new buildings, but for the most part it looks just like it did back in 1982, when I first arrived in Nashville.
A Must Read Concerning Internet Content Providers

30 Jan 2012 | 4:00 pm

A Megaload of Unintended Consequences http://netrightdaily.com/2012/01/a-megaload-of-unintended-consequences/ By Bill Wilson After an outpouring of opposition by millions of Internet users and tens of thousands of websites against the "Stop Online Piracy Act" (SOPA) and the "Protect Intellectual Property Act" (PIPA) in the House and Senate, congressional proponents of the bills have delayed votes on Capitol Hill. That is not stopping the Obama Administration, however, which has been acting as if the proposals have already been passed. The most recent example is the shutdown of Megaupload.com,…
Being Flynn

27 Jan 2012 | 11:41 pm

Based on the book, "Another Bullshit Night In Suck City" this movie, "Being Flynn" is the movie to see. If it's half as good as the book, this movie will be great. If you are not familiar with it, this is the true story about a young man who took a job at a homeless shelter, only to meet up with his estranged father who was living there. When I read the book, I was struck by the author's ability to convey the realities of homelessness in a honest and meaningful way. It is the best book about homelessness that I have ever read.

Homeless Family's Blog
Bathroomvesselsinks.com

6 Feb 2012 | 5:28 pm

I was asked to take a look at Bathroomvesselsinks.com the other day, the links provided me were vessel sink, vessel faucet, and vessel sink faucets. Overall a nice selection and appropriate for the anchor link. After checking the pages I headed back to the portal page of what looks like could be an AWESOME site graphically and navigationally, but didn't seem 'just right' at first glance.Heading to it's front portal page top section, it's filling the browser looks great. The graphic for the Glass Vessel Sinks REALLY draws attention to the other items due to the site's color schemes.Oh, but…
Counting when there's nobody around

6 Feb 2012 | 5:22 pm

Last week many communities around the United States conducted Homeless Census and Surveys throughout parts of the homeless community. Some doing the count at shelters prior to dawn, others accepting counts at family shelters during meal times, and yet others the task of venturing into the many homeless camps. I had the fortune of volunteering with one agency in our county who was doing the latter.Having lived through various phases of the cycle myself I was surprised at the lack of people living outside as in the past. While there was evidence of established camps in most places we went, it…
Old and new

1 Feb 2012 | 7:05 am

The other day I picked up on a link to moebius models, which I thought would be a cool place to pick up on those twisty thingies my math teacher used to use in class. It was cool what I found were actually Science Fiction models from both new and old series and movies.Over the last year I've been collecting different forms of science fiction films from the past that my children haven't experienced, trying to get them a taste of 'how' today's media was formed. I've also been working more at creating more meals from the 'Old Country', original dishes that were later changed and altered to…
IN THE KITCHEN

27 Jan 2012 | 11:16 am

Guest post from: Kent LaraI made an appointment for satellite television to be put in our home by logging onto satellitetvfamily.com. I had them add some places where you wouldn’t traditionally have television, but I think that we are going to really enjoy it. I had them put a hook up on the covered porch. I know that my husband is going to absolutely love being able to cook out in the fall, stand near the fire pit, and watch his favorite college games. I think that people that we have over will enjoy it too. The other place that I really wanted television and had to have it put in was in…
One person's faith...

17 Jan 2012 | 2:30 pm

Once in a while I come across something as pretty as a handful of steel rings when walking down sidewalks, but for the most part not. The same goes for when I use public facilities where people experiencing homelessness get access to the internet freely.On one hand many communities work to preserve the rights of digital access to all of it's community members, but like any good thing it can get abused...and it doesn't matter the level, status, or caste of the perpetrator.The other day I overheard someone bringing attention to a computer lab the issue of music being played by others through…

Union Rescue Mission
Rev. Andy’s End of Month Update – January 2012

josiah

31 Jan 2012 | 6:23 pm

Because of the scope of what friends like you help us do at URM, everyday is a big event. From life transformation programs, to medical centers, to legal aid clinics, to kids programs….we do it all thanks to you. Please take a moment to view Rev. Andy’s January End of the Month Update and consider a gift today. We can’t do this work without you. Blessings
Reuters News Agency and MSNBC on Hope Gardens

josiah

30 Jan 2012 | 5:21 pm

A photojournalist from Reuters News Agency recently visited Hope Gardens Family Center and wrote an intriguing article with excellent pictures on homelessness among women and children in the United States. Be sure to Read Lucy’s Article on the Reuter’s Photographers Blog and engage in the conversation about fighting homelessness among children. Also, be sure to check out MSNBC’s Phot Blog for more on the topic. We would like to thank Lucy Nicholson (@lucy_nicholson) for taking the time to share about the issue of homelessness among children and women and invite you to join…
South Pasadena High-School Class Hosts Charity Tutoring

josiah

23 Jan 2012 | 5:35 pm

Hats off to South Pasadena High School Teacher Ruth Moonesinghe and her Calculus students for making a difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness this weekend by hosting “Charity Tutoring” at South Pasadena High School! For a $20 donation to Union Rescue Mission, over 125 students received up to 3 hours of tutoring in Math, Algebra, Math Analysis, Calculus or Statistics. Approximately 50 teachers, parents and students volunteered their time handling everything from publicity, to registration to tutoring. The event raised over $2500 for Union Rescue Mission which was…
Surprising Update on Union Rescue Mission’s Gateway Program

Rev. Andy

19 Jan 2012 | 4:31 pm

April 1st of 2011, Union Rescue Mission, in some eyes, made a controversial decision to ask our guests who were able, to begin paying part of their way. The decision was made with a lot of thought, planning, and prayer. There is no question that the economy was a factor in the decision, but it goes much deeper than that. Let me start by saying that I have long believed in guests paying part of their own way thanks to the influence of the grandfather of Christian Community Development, Dr. John Perkins, and his book, “Let Justice Roll Down.” John taught me that the dignity of people…
The Mission Newsletter – January 2012

josiah

9 Jan 2012 | 5:03 pm

Kimberly’s Full-Circle Life My mom did her best, but as an alcoholic trying to raise eight kids, it was hard. However, we all graduated from high school, and none of my siblings ever turned to drugs or alcohol — except me. I was 17 when I learned my new boyfriend was a drug dealer. I started selling crack cocaine for him, then I started to smoke it as well. And just as I started using, my mom passed away, my nephew died of cancer, and my boyfriend got shot and died right in front of me. I blamed myself because I believed that somehow my drug use caused their deaths. To cope, I just…

Portland Rescue Mission - Blog
How To Pack A Care Kit

PDXMission

6 Feb 2012 | 10:00 pm

Care Kits are a simple way to provide practical help to a homeless man or woman. Keep some in your car so you’re prepared to offer to a person in need. Items to Include: A typical Care Kit consists of a watertight gallon-size zipper lock plastic bag filled with items like: Water bottle Socks Tuna and crackers Granola Bar or cereal bar Fruit snack or applesauce cup Crackers with peanut butter or cheese Gift certificate to fast food Hand wipes Pack of Kleenex Toothbrush and toothpaste Nail clippers Band Aids Chapstick Comb or small brush Mints, cough drops or gum Rescue Mission meal…
Portland Church Partnerships Help Homeless Families

PDXMission

5 Feb 2012 | 10:00 pm

Photo: Saint Andre Bessette Catholic Church From Oregonlive.com: Many in the Portland faith community believe it’s their core duty to help the destitute, and they don’t think their congregations are doing enough. At the same time, the prospect of doing more flummoxes them. Paul Schroeder understands the dynamic that freezes churches in place. As coordinator of the New City Initiative, put together by the nonprofit JOIN, he’s working to reassure congregations: Yes, it’s possible to gently move forward. Yes, you can step up your commitment to house the homeless…
Steve Stratos Joins Board of Directors

PDXMission

2 Feb 2012 | 10:00 pm

Portland Rescue Mission welcomes a new member to its Board of Directors. Steve Stratos is the vice president of business development for Qmedtrix, a senior consultant for Wellspring Group, an executive coach and teacher of executive coaching at Western Seminary. He has a doctorate degree from Western Seminary in Leadership Development. Stratos and his wife Leslie have four children: Jesse, Charity, Jasmine and Jamiel. Steve and his wife attend Imago Dei Community. Stratos has been a dedicated volunteer for Portland Rescue Mission for the past five years. He cooks and serves meals for homeless…
POLL: How Many Homeless Students In Portland?

PDXMission

1 Feb 2012 | 10:00 pm

Test your knowledge about homelessness. How many students in Portland’s school district are homeless? Answer in the embedded poll below, or at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/S9TZTSD. Did the answer surprise you? Talk about it in the comments of this blog post. Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world’s leading questionnaire tool.
First Steps In A New Life

PDXMission

31 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm

Three of our 2011 “New Life Recovery” graduates are celebrating great strides into a bright future. Maria* has housing, a job and is going to school to further her education. Cindy has both housing and employment. Watch Cindy’s video story of hope. Eddie has a job and is back on his feet. Watch Eddie’s video story of hope. Thanks for giving all three of these graduates a new chance at a healthy, productive life. Homelessness ends! *Name changed for privacy

Stone Soup Station
Cross Point Community Church Workers Bring Hope & Help To South Raleigh Homeless

3 Feb 2012 | 6:55 am

As soon as I saw the picture in the article below, my thoughts turned to days spent at Nashville's largest homeless encampment, Tent City, doing similar work on not just one or several but dozens of occasions. And it wasn't just me out there, Otter Creek Baptist Church Pastor Doug Sanders, students in droves from Lipscomb and Vanderbilt universities, concerned citizens who brought time, resources - including backhoes and dump trucks - with them, a whole community pitching in to help the "neighborhood" of Tent City clean up decades of dumping and trash in their little corner of the city.
UPDATE: Confirmed: Willie "the Mayor" Shoemaker Passed Away

2 Feb 2012 | 1:40 pm

2/2/12: After asking around quite a bit, friend and colleague Tasha French helped me confirm that the news about Mayor Willie's death is correct. Many thanks to Tasha, as well as Rachel Hester & Jeff Moles, from Room In The Inn, for their help in separating fact from fiction. Can't tell you how sad I am to hear this. _________________________________________________________________ To add to today's bad news about the loss of Contributor Vendor Andrew Owens, I was informed, although I haven't confirmed it yet, that one of my old clients has passed away after succumbing…
Tent City University: "Anyone can teach, everyone can learn"

2 Feb 2012 | 7:19 am

"If you're under the impulse to find greater support for what you're doing, you listen more closely and you question more vigorously.""If you want to take it to a more mystical, spiritual level they're dreaming another world awake. That's the way some of them see it."I love this idea, because having experienced "education" in public school systems and state universities here in America, I recognize the need for a more informal venue, a "learning community" that adjusts to the needs and demands of students in a way that simply cannot happen within the structure of the traditional system.
Contractor Mary Forristall: "When was America all about everyone being equal?”

1 Feb 2012 | 9:20 pm

Clearly, some folks have failed to understand what makes America the greatest place on earth, even with the passel of problems we face as a country today. Come to think of it, it may very well be that ignorance like this is exactly why we have the problems in this country in the first place... February 01, 2012 06:00 PM The Great Debate: America and Equality By Mike Lux "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." - Thomas Jefferson, July 4, 1776 "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and…
Why Can't Nashville Establish Affordable Housing Opportunities Like This?

1 Feb 2012 | 6:47 am

Anytime I see a story about someone or some organization who has been able to raise enough private money to establish a housing complex for the chronically homeless, replete with wraparound case management services, I am struck by the lack of Nashville's ability to do the same. In fact, I find it heartbreaking that in a city priding itself on the belief that we come together in times of trouble cannot come together enough to help establish affordable housing for the hundreds of individuals living on our streets, in our woods, and even in our doghouses. It's certainly not from a lack of…

Sans Houses
Sans Houses

frenchpress

1 Jan 2013 | 12:22 pm

This project utilizes photography, sound, and relationship to attempt to capture a piece of those in and around the homeless community in Nashville, Tennessee.All photos and interviews © 2006-2012. Please do not use or reproduce.Thanks go out to all of these individuals for their openness, kindness and trust.
Newest Images - Color:

frenchpress

31 Dec 2012 | 1:00 am

These images are a continuance of my original work. Most of the subjects are homeless and formerly homeless writers and/or vendors of The Contributor and/or subjects for articles in the paper.These photographs are full-frame digital shots from a Nikon D300.©2009-2012 Tasha French
David

frenchpress

9 Nov 2011 | 11:52 am

David, Vendor, The Contributor
Anita

frenchpress

9 Nov 2011 | 11:52 am

Anita, The Contributor Vendor, Friend
Antonio "The Waver"

frenchpress

9 Nov 2011 | 11:51 am

Antonio "The Waver", Vendor, The Contributor

Vagabond
How I Became Homeless: Loyalty and Respect

WalkinthePark

13 Jan 2012 | 10:00 pm

It is the stuff of Greek tragedies and great movies. It is the stuff we hope never happens to us in real life, for the end is very, very bad; and there is nothing to help it but to tear your eyes out at the sockets, wander aimlessly through the barren landscape of a life destroyed, and wish for death to come early. Revealing any part of a difficult truth seems to betray God and every hope of humankind. Friends scatter at the horror. There is nothing to say. Nothing left to do. The curtain falls, and we desperately want to laugh.What lessons were intended in this time of my life and their…
Gone to Hell in a Handcart . . . or Just Decompressing

WalkinthePark

12 Jan 2012 | 4:05 am

It is common knowledge among my friends and family that I do not drink. I simply never acquired a taste for alcohol. Fine wines are entirely lost on me as I am disabled by a slow nose and humble palate that barely recognize the distinctions in bouquet such as hints of berry, soupcons of citrus, or smells of oak. I do not taste or smell pepper, butter, or grass in my wine; and even if I could, I would prefer those flavors alone to the overriding raw sensation of alcohol burning in my throat. The alcohol, of course, is the point; otherwise, everyone would just have soda.All that changed in the…
A Note to Readers

WalkinthePark

15 Aug 2011 | 2:18 pm

As I read through old posts, I sometimes come across misspellings and other mistakes. I apologize that I cannot seem to find a way to edit a post without also republishing it. The better news is that I am writing, and there will be new posts soon!
Prozac Nation, Prozac Me

WalkinthePark

26 Feb 2011 | 4:50 pm

Almost twenty million people in America take Prozac or another anti-depressant like it. Millions upon millions more people around the world take Prozac by a different trade name. Recent reports claim that users of the serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor kind of anti-depressant, which Prozac is, can become more depressed, hostile, psychopathic, and even suicidal, the very condition anti-depressants hope to mediate. As a footnote, however, many people are happy with the results they are getting from Prozac; and that would include me.While I am not a proponent of prescription-drug use and…
Christmas 2010 *

WalkinthePark

13 Feb 2011 | 10:30 pm

This was the year of the black hole of the heart.While years past were challenging, 2010 felt impossible. It has been the worst year of my life. There is now less than a week to go; and if we are lucky in 2011, we are all the closer to the end of the world. I say this in kindness given the problems we have on the planet that are not going away soon enough: we are losing species at a phenomenal rate, and the lose of other species does not, in turn, bode well for our human prospects. The corporation, a behemoth of destruction, is sorely in need of a legal definition that places greater…

invisible homeless kids
Tired of the BS from 'Advocates'

Diane Nilan

4 Feb 2012 | 4:07 pm

Photo (C) Pat Van DorenI worry that things are so screwy that we'll "eat our young" as we all scramble for a piece of the dwindling, vulnerable federal human services pie. It seems that a group of so-called advocates and unenlightened legislators are poised to do just that--"eat" homeless kids by depriving the majority of them of assistance otherwise available for homeless kids staying in shelters.Gosh, this homeless definition issue is getting so drawn out that it makes me shake my head in wonderment. I dug through my email trash to look at what the young-eaters give for reasons to oppose…
Counting Homeless Kids--Do They Count?

Diane Nilan

17 Jan 2012 | 3:54 pm

In a couple nights countless teams of volunteers and staff across the country will fan out and count the uncountable--homeless adults and kids for HUD's annual "Point in Time" count. It's a gallant effort. But too bad it's a misguided one.3 sisters in Reno, NV bemoan their plightYou see, and this is where it gets confusing, the definition of "homelessness" is different depending on the federal department using it. And HUD, the primary source of funding to address homelessness (albeit inadequately), has a very narrow, inaccurate definition that excludes lots of kids and families.Why does this…
Storm Cloud Darkens for Homeless Children

Diane Nilan

12 Dec 2011 | 11:22 am

Ever since I became aware of homelessness, from the early 1980s,I figured it was, at least in some part, about money. I knew people didn’t care much for the homeless men andwomen being seen more and more on streets of cities across the country. Mediadepictions of these frightening bedraggled “street people” began theperhaps inadvertent campaign to demonize people without homes. It worked. Ifyou ask people to describe homeless persons, you’ll see what I mean.My memory goes back to Mitch Snyder, a DCactivist who took up the issue, going head-to-head with federal officials…
Disappointing That I'm Not Disappointed

Diane Nilan

9 Dec 2011 | 2:43 pm

Never a shortage of topics to spew about. I just read the description of looming changes in the way homeless families and youth will be treated by HUD, the agency our federal government charges with overseeing programs to end homelessness.I have to scream, on behalf of all who will undoubtedly be harmed by these changes,WHAT???ARE YOU FRICKIN' NUTS??? ARE YOU JUST PLAIN STUPID OR IS IT MEANNESS?Having run a shelter for many years, I am painfully aware of the too-little-staff syndrome that causes shortcuts to be taken, some potentially harmful. I'm also painfully aware of things on the other…
Back-to-School Nightmares Rampant for Homeless Parents

Diane Nilan

16 Nov 2011 | 1:06 pm

You don't get it until you live it.The reality of shelter life is...impermanence; where will we end up? Add this to the day after day awareness of their parents preoccupation with seeking employment, overcoming the despair that poverty invites or banging your head daily to live with seriously limited resources, and feeling isolated because as much as we don't want to feel ashamed of our circumstances...we suffer the judgmental slings and arrows from school personnel and all the jabs and jeers of those automated letters and voicemails. [Paula, mom in a homeless situation with…

Sacramento Homeless blog
Bill Maher's New Rule: Atheism

Thomas Armstrong

4 Feb 2012 | 3:55 pm

While I support most all of what the Union Gospel Mission does; am a fan of several of the regular preachers there; sympathize with complaints many preachers have about how Christianity is treated; and myself believe there has got to be something, somehow that pulls us up [that is, we didn't just push up out of the muck]; Bill Maher makes all-valid points in his defense of Atheism in this video -- and is hilarious in doing so.Thank you for reading the Sacramento Homeless blog
Daniel Reich

Thomas Armstrong

4 Feb 2012 | 12:19 pm

click notice to enlargeThe notice at right is self explanatory.Thank you for reading the Sacramento Homeless blog
Jefferson Bethke's poem, Part II

Thomas Armstrong

31 Jan 2012 | 1:16 pm

[See Part I of this two-part series, here.]A few days ago, Jefferson Bethke was on the national TV show "CBS This Morning" where he discussed what he meant in his rap/poem "Why I hate religion, but love Jesus."Bethke was wholly impressive, composed and eloquence on the show.A Catholic priest, Father Edward Beck, was on the show and seemed derisive toward Bethke, even as he did not misunderstanding the rap or disagree with the message. Beck remonstrated Bethke for powerful, perhaps-loaded words he thought Bethke used.A prime issue of Beck's was Bethke's use of the words "religion" and…
Jefferson Bethke's poem

Thomas Armstrong

21 Jan 2012 | 8:02 pm

Jefferson BethkeSince I have spent A LOT of time in Homeless World Sacramento where most of the homeless guys have a family background that is Christian, and where most of the guys, themselves, too, say they are Christian, I thought I would embed this poem that has, I understand, gone viral on the Internet.I found it via elephant journal, a mostly Buddhist online publication, that does its thing in Boulder, Colorado, a famously Buddhist (and liberal) city -- home of Naropa University. [I consider myself to be a Skyhooks Buddhist -- someone who is a secular Western Buddhist who believes we…
Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thomas Armstrong

16 Jan 2012 | 2:08 pm

… the words of the late John F. Kennedy come back to haunt us. Five years ago he said, “Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable.” [Applause]Increasingly, by choice or by accident, this is the role our nation has taken, the role of those who make peaceful revolution impossible by refusing to give up the privileges and the pleasures that come from the immense profits of overseas investments. I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must…

Shelter: connect
Design With the Other 90%: CITIES

adminconnect

20 Jan 2012 | 5:30 am

This article, written by Lee Schneider, originally appeared in The Huffington Post. You’ve heard about the “99%,” but there’s a “90%” you should also know about. They are the 90% of people on Earth who usually do not have access to design services, because designers mostly have focused on just 10% of the world’s population. Now that’s changing, as powerfully illustrated in an exhibit at the United Nations in New York, presented by the Smithsonian’s Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum. The exhibit shows, both in person and online, that…
Hope Floats in Bangladesh and at Sundance

adminconnect

17 Jan 2012 | 5:29 pm

Written by Glenn Baker, director of Easy Like Water [Editor's note: Glenn got in touch with the Shelter project after he came across Lee Schneider's Huffington Post blog and be global podcast about the Design With the Other 90%: CITIES exhibit. The subject of Glenn's film, Easy Like Water, has a prominent position in the exhibit. Glenn is on his way to Sundance and sent in this report. ] I’m heading off to the Sundance Film Festival Jan. 20 to pitch my film-in-progress, Easy Like Water, to broadcasters. The film is almost ready – we’ve got an early rough cut — and…
Announcing Shelter: connect

adminconnect

16 Dec 2011 | 7:50 am

Shelter | Written by Lee Schneider I’m thrilled to announce the debut of Shelter: connect, the educational outreach initiative of the Shelter documentary. Shelter: connect creates a virtual bridge between cultures, enabling design students in the U.S. to connect with communities in the developing world, sharing innovative design ideas to address urgent shelter needs. It is driven by a series of workshops Richard Neill and I will be leading. A key player in the Shelter: connect initiative is our new hire – outreach coordinator Caroline Markowitz. Caroline is a recent…
Virtual Exchange: The Shelter Project Reaches Out

adminconnect

18 Oct 2011 | 1:28 pm

The Virtual Exchange Program got off to an energetic start yesterday at the University of Minnesota College of Design. Richard Neill and I traveled to the campus to run a workshop with architecture professor James Lutz. What is the Virtual Exchange Program? During this active production time for Shelter we are meeting architects and engineers all over the world who are designing for good. We also meet people everywhere who would benefit from good design. We started to think about how to bring them all together… The Virtual Exchange Program (vXp) is an open source forum for sharing…
Design and Hope in Arch 114

adminconnect

10 Oct 2011 | 4:48 pm

Shelter | Written by Lee Schneider Hope comes designed in amazing packages. I experienced a little of that hope this morning at USC, where I was giving a talk about Shelter on the theme of ‘designing for a culture.’ The freshmen architecture students liked the Shelter clips I played. Nobody napped during the talk. (Hey, students can be a tough crowd.) I focused on two questions: Why does design matter? And also, when you design, who is really your client? After filming in Haiti this summer, a conceptual driver for the film took shape. Designing for good might begin as a…

Change.org News / Economic Justice
Sallie Mae Blinks!

2 Feb 2012 | 6:43 pm

Hey everyone! It's William from Change.org. I wanted to pass on this message from Stef Gray about the amazing progress her campaign against Sallie Mae's "unemployment penalty" is making. Read on: Whoa! Sallie Mae just blinked! Today, only a couple of hours after I delivered 77,000 petition signatures from Change.org users to Sallie Mae’s front door, the company issued a statement saying that it would start applying its $50 per loan forbearance fee to customers’ loan balances instead of simply pocketing the cash. They’re obviously hearing your voices loud and clear! I want to recognize…
Victory! Video Game Industry Drops Support for SOPA

23 Jan 2012 | 5:44 pm

While the controversial Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA) were both put on hold on Friday, the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) became the first major industry association to drop its support for SOPA. The ESA is the main trade association for video game companies and was one of the main business associations pushing for the bills that critics say would result in internet censorship. The ESA spent $190,000 lobbying the Senate to pass PIPA in just six months in 2011. In a statement, the ESA said: "Although the need to address this pervasive threat to our…
Two Cities, Two Victories Against 'Corporate Personhood'

19 Jan 2012 | 2:53 pm

A couple of weeks ago we took note of the exciting role Change.org is playing in the fight against corporate personhood, as more than a dozen regular folks from around the country have started petitions demanding that their municipal governments get behind a constitutional amendment declaring that corporations don't have the same rights as people and that political contributions aren't speech. Well hold on to your hats, because we've got some exciting news -- two of these campaigns were victorious this month! Change.org member Erin Madden's petition to the Portland, Oregon City Council…
How to Take a Stand Against Corporate Personhood

10 Jan 2012 | 10:06 am

There's a exciting, new front in the battle for economic justice on Change.org: real citizens vs. Citizens United. You probably know that in January 2010 the United States Supreme Court, led by a conservative majority, overturned decades of legal precedent in ruling that corporations had the same First Amendment protections as flesh-and-blood people, and that contributions to political campaigns by corporations can be considered protected speech. The decision was handed down in the court case Citizens United v. Federal Elections Commission. Americans of all political stripes were outraged by…
More ways to hold banks accountable to homeowners

6 Dec 2011 | 4:21 pm

With today's "Occupy Our Homes" kickoff, the Occupy movement has gone from inhabiting the most public of spaces to the most private. They're not taking over just any home, though -- organizers are defending homeowners around the country facing imminent foreclosure. It's a natural next step for the young but increasingly influential movement. The effort has already been met with great media coverage, and will likely be critical in once again refocusing public conversation on the plight of the 99%. Besides that, there's little question Occupy Our Homes will be successful in saving some homes…

Homeless in LA
Homeless in Public

homelessinla

3 Feb 2012 | 12:08 pm

On my way into jury duty this morning I heard a child ask “why doesn’t that man sleep at home? You’re not supposed to sleep in public!”. So, tell me. What I bothers you more; knowing that folks are homeless … Continue reading →
February List for Using food stamps at Restraunts

homelessinla

2 Feb 2012 | 2:11 pm

Restaurants_list Be sure to ask before you purchase your meal as sometimes only one person on the staff knows how to use the machine to debit your food benefits Filed under: foodstamps, welfare
Questionable Parenting Moments and DCFS

homelessinla

2 Feb 2012 | 11:36 am

Did I pull a Joe Paterno so now DCFS want to take my baby? Continue reading →
Wednesday Wierdness

homelessinla

2 Feb 2012 | 10:53 am

Can I just tell you that it is weird to see my name written by anyone else? We all grow up, some of us change our last names and suddenly we only see ourselves digitally and on paper in type, in font, with ink or pixels. I am having … Continue reading →
Wedding invitation

homelessinla

30 Jan 2012 | 4:24 pm

I think I was invited …. yay! Filed under: homeless

Joe Anybody Homeless Blog
How Europe is dealing with freezing temptures

Joe-Anybody

3 Feb 2012 | 4:51 pm

Europe tries to shield homeless from deep freeze MSNBCFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:45 CSThttp://www.sott.net/articles/show/241076-Europe-tries-to-shield-homeless-from-deep-freeze?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter {ORIGINAL ARTICLE}© Fr LW Gonzales Russia and Ukraine took extra precautions on Friday to protect homeless people during a brutal cold snap, ordering new facilities and medical care after scores of people have frozen to death on the streets of Europe. As the death toll from the past week rose to at least 175 on Friday, Russian Emergencies Minister Sergei Shoigu ordered the creation of…
VIDEO: Sleep is a Human Right - Metal at City Hall Homeless Vigil 1.5.12

Joe-Anybody

15 Jan 2012 | 12:47 pm

Sleep is a Human Right - Metal at City Hall Homeless Vigil 1.5.12http://youtu.be/yr3YXBjGNng [13:44 minute video}I stop by the vigil for housless folks that is going on 24-7 in front of Portland City Hall.This was around noon on Thursday 1.5.11.Metal tells me what is happening with regards to this vigil outside of city halls front doors.He tells me about his involvement the vigil, which began after Occupy Portland protesters was evicted from the parks across the street.
1438 Flags displayed for the homeless in my community 2008 video

Joe-Anybody

8 Jan 2012 | 2:46 pm

http://www.archive.org/details/HomelessOnMayDay1438FlagsMay Day 2008 I filmed this in Portland Oregon at the May Day celebration. A display with flags for those that were homeless on May Day in my community.
Adopt a Homeless Person - Portland website

Joe-Anybody

30 Sep 2011 | 12:25 pm

A website that I stumbled upon today that looks like it may be one that is produced here in Portland Oregon. It seems like it has some good ideas going on it. I only briefly looked. http://liv-n-on-the-streets.com/mission-statement/One concern was the topic "Adopt a Bum" Not sure if that is PC to be saying / using the word "bum" in that fashion.The term is derogatory and demeaning in my opinion.I do have some reserve about the integrity of the website when I see words used like that being used.But am giving some print space here to ...look into this more and see "just what going…
State of the Union (blogspot) Pictures and more

Joe-Anybody

28 Sep 2011 | 5:17 pm

http://linhdinhphotos.blogspot.com/Worth checking out folks - good pictures & more Solidarity = LoveThanks From Joe Anybody

Funders Together > Blog
Social Media, Philanthropy, and Homelessness

31 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

Funders Together Board Chair David Wertheimer, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, discusses his use of social media, which he finds invaluable to his work in homelessness.
Research Recap: The Latest Data on Homelessness

24 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

Over the last few months, a wealth of data on homelessness has been published—much of which we have tweeted, blogged about, or posted to our Facebook page. We also have made links available via the Funders Together website. The variety of research produced includes both national and state-by-state data focused on overall homelessness as well as homelessness among children and veterans in particular. In case you missed any of it, we’ve summarized the key findings for you below and provided links to each resource.
Integrating Systems and Improving Services for Homeless Families in Chicago

17 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

Funders Together members from the Polk Bros. and McCormick Foundations write about efforts to improve services and outcomes for homeless families in Chicago.
Calling All Funders Interested in Veterans Homelessness

11 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

Funders Together announces launch of a new funders working group on veterans homelessness.
Lessons Learned in Ending Chronic Homelessness

8 Jan 2012 | 11:00 pm

A new Conrad N. Hilton Foundation report details the Foundation's 2004-2010 initiative with the Corporation for Supportive Housing to help end chronic homelessness in Los Angeles County.

westernmasshousingfirst.org
Gazette Article on Network Efforts

Pamela Schwartz

2 Feb 2012 | 7:30 am

In response to the Network’s media release on convening the region’s mayors, The Daily Hampshire Gazette ran a front page story on the issue of homelessness and the Network as a whole, including: At a recent quarterly meeting of the network’s leadership council, mayors and other municipal officials from throughout the four western counties came together pursue their causes: preventing homelessness, getting people back into housing quickly and stabilizing the housing market so that units are available for people of all income levels. Pamela Schwartz, director of the network,…
Housing Sex Offenders Summit: 2/1

Pamela Schwartz

27 Jan 2012 | 6:48 am

Please see the invitation below to faith leaders and housing, health care and other non-profit providers to a “summit” on the challenges and possible solutions for housing sex offenders. We have an excellent turn-out already and welcome others who are interested in attending. Please RSVP to Pamela Schwartz at pschwartz77@gmail.com. Thank you! Dear Friend: The Western Massachusetts Network’s Committee on Housing Homeless Sex Offenders would like to invite you to join in a conversation regarding how best to preserve our public safety through stable, supportive housing for…
Free Tax Return Assistance Available!

Pamela Schwartz

27 Jan 2012 | 6:39 am

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER TO OFFER FREE TAX PREPARATION WITH VITA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites available to low-income families across the region Pioneer Valley, January 26, 2012 – Springfield Partners for Community Action, Valley Opportunity Council and United Way of Pioneer Valley are joining forces as part of an annual effort to increase tax refunds and credits for low- income families and individuals. Together they will operate and fund several free community tax preparation programs and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the region. The VITA program…
Individual Services Committee Meeting Minutes – 1/19/12

Pamela Schwartz

26 Jan 2012 | 7:59 pm

Individual Services Committee Meeting – January 19, 2012 In attendance: Beth Coombs, Treehouse Foundation, Jason Cuyler, Berkshire county Sherriffs office, Danielle DeBerry, ServiceNet, Gena Dube, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Lisa Goldsmith, Dial/Self, Dave Havens, Mental Health Association, Peg Keller, City of Northampton, Ann Lentini, Domus, Inc., Jay Levy, Eliot CHS – Homeless Services, Kim Majewski, Gandara Center, David Modzelewski, Mental Health Association, Jennifer Moore, Behavioral Health Network, Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Claudia Phillips, Mercy Medical…
Network Leadership Council Hosts Region’s Mayors

Pamela Schwartz

26 Jan 2012 | 8:46 am

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness put the call out to leaders across the region to come learn about the Network, its mission and how we can help support them in their efforts to combat homelessness. They responded in force: Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, West Springfield Mayor Greg Neffinger, Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, Easthampton Mayor Michael Tautznik, Greenfield Mayor Bill Martin and Amherst Town Manager John Musante all joined over 50 Leadership Council members at the Network’s quarterly…

Elizabeth Lombino
A Special Martin Luther King Jr. Day

elizabethlombino

16 Jan 2012 | 1:00 pm

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King Jr. Today is a beautiful day for many reasons. It is the day we honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his unwavering spirit of love and inclusion. It is also the day [...]
2012: The Year Ahead, From the View of a 5 Year Old

elizabethlombino

2 Jan 2012 | 9:08 am

Our 5 year old daughter, Mia, can barely tell time. She can say it’s 2012 and have a vague idea of what that means, but really, she has no clue. Like most of us, really. So what does 2012 have in store for us? If Mia were to help me write this post, I’m sure [...]
Thanks for the Guilt, Online Moms (So-Called) Support Community

elizabethlombino

30 Oct 2011 | 6:48 pm

It’s no secret that my husband and I have decided to have one child. I have written about this topic and have shared my thoughts openly. We are proud of our decision. Yet, as I’ve discussed, those around us seem to be more uncomfortable with our decision than we are. I have found solace and wide support [...]
Ode to September

elizabethlombino

2 Sep 2011 | 8:09 am

September is a month of meaning for me. Some of the most amazing and most heartbreaking moments of my life happened during this month. Amazing ~ My husband and I got married on September 6. Such a magical day. Heartbreaking ~ Anniversary of September 11. We were living in NYC at the time and while [...]
Breaking the Silence Again: Why We ALL Need to Care About HIV/AIDS

elizabethlombino

23 Jun 2011 | 8:04 am

Post originally published on TheBody.com ~ Spread Hope: A Therapist’s Guide to Living and Laughing With HIV/AIDS Okay, this blog entry is directed at those who are not actively involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For those who are active and would like to persuade others to join us, please share it with them. We [...]

Lost Awareness
THANK YOU skip1.org and Shelene Bryan

A Seeker

2 Feb 2012 | 9:56 am

All right ... I wanted to have a lot more done for today. It's not gonna happen. This is a time when I truly wish I had already transformed the danged CFS symptoms that have made a visit to my life.Today is a very special day for me.For a number of reasons.It's Groundhog Day.It's a seasonal day of celebration for a number of disciplines and belief systems.As a Shaman this day is the time in the season cycles of the known world where I celebrate the hidden potentialities that are transformed into the visible.A youngster in me celebrates "National Baby Clam Day" which…
What's in a Title?

A Seeker

31 Jan 2012 | 10:35 am

My calling card I have searched for 14 months for the means in which I may contribute to making things visible and feel whole, creative and balanced while doing it.It’s been an interesting road.When I first started volunteering for Mark Horvath — the founder of InvisiblePeople.tv and WeAreVisible.com, he told me I could pick whatever title I wanted just as long as it didn't have the word "dragon". He knew, beyond the shadow of a doubt that I would choose something with Dragon in it 'cuz they are my kindred -- yes, sometimes I live in what you may perceive as a…
Brainstorm! Wanna help?

A Seeker

8 Dec 2011 | 8:23 am

I am beyond impressed.Apply this man’s speech to homelessness. Apply it to anything you advocate for. Go ahead, substitute the phrase that evokes passion in you for the phrases Patch Adams uses that describe his visions — can you hear it?What is your ideal practice?In sore need of encouragement today I came across this YouTube clip moments ago on www.patchadams.org (Patch Adams, M.D. & Gesundheit! Institute), moments ago.Again, I am beyond impressed. I feel motivated. I feel patted on the back by a kindred soul. Something I needed intensely.Curious meerkat? Read more »
No Hate

A Seeker

3 Dec 2011 | 5:56 am

The front ofmy new personalcalling card. ::grin::Oh joy! I get to play my jester card on … myself! ::chortle::I hope I was not as sick-looking as I was feeling yesterday a little after noon-thirty.So gung ho was I feeling at the beginning of my day, I thought to myself, “Self, we’ve got a lot of energy this morning, we can do this!”Phlbbffssstttt! Fail! That’s not to say, my morning didn’t go well. It did. I made a long trek to get my Disabled EZPass.I made it through a get together with a friend I don’t see often in person. There was also the coloring to…
Success!

A Seeker

30 Nov 2011 | 2:22 am

Dances the upside down Woodstock Flitter - Go Snoopy!Apparently, I miscounted, for when I compiled everything from Scrivener I had a whopping amount of words over 50,000 for the month of November.I state proudly for my record, I was a NaNoWriMoRebel -- that means and I quote from the NaNoWriMo forums:"You're writing a memoir, a script, a nonfiction book about turtles or something else that's not a novel. You're a NaNoRebel, baby! Converse with your fellow outlaws here."Curious meerkat? Read more »

100kHomes Blog
"I'll Step Up!": Empowering Volunteers to End Homelessness

Jake Maguire

6 Feb 2012 | 5:07 pm

Noah Laracy is a regular person. He isn’t a trained social worker, a landlord, or a paid housing advocate. He’s a volunteer who wanted to do something to help end homelessness in his community. Los Angeles, CA read more
Communities Combine Point-in-Time Counts with Registry Weeks

Jake Maguire

27 Jan 2012 | 12:59 pm

This month, thousands of volunteers are canvassing their communities, block-by-block, as required by law, to count the number of people sleeping on their streets and sidewalks. But several participating Campaign communities are doing much more than that-- they are combining legally mandated “point-in-time” counts of their homeless populations with full-scale Campaign registry week efforts. read more
Statewide Efforts Gain Steam in Virginia, Nationally

Jake Maguire

9 Jan 2012 | 10:05 am

The Campaign is seeing a new trend in enrollments as more and more communities band together to enroll as states. Already, Louisiana, Virginia, Georgia, and Delaware have signed up with statewide efforts, and several other states are preparing to take this step. Communities that enroll as states agree to work together and coordinate, often through a single statewide player like the governor’s office or a state coalition to end homelessness, to move their most vulnerable residents into permanent housing. Richmond, VA read more
In Illinois, a Holiday Housing Miracle

Jake Maguire

23 Dec 2011 | 1:58 pm

When Melany Jackson felt God calling her to end homelessness, she quit her job, sold everything she owned and got to work. This week, she moved her first homeless neighbor into housing. "It's almost hard to believe it's true," Jackson wrote in an email, calling the story of Vern, her newly housed friend, a "Christmas housing miracle." Indeed, much of Vern's story seems miraculous. Champaign-Urbana, IL read more
Registry Week Helps Louisville Come Together

Jake Maguire

28 Nov 2011 | 4:44 pm

“Everybody loves a good idea,” Nolan Nelson observed after the completion of Louisville, KY's recent Registry Week. But “100,000 Homes moves people from having a good idea into acting on this good idea.” Nelson, along with the entire Rx: Housing team, experienced the power of such action firsthand over five days during Louisville's Registry Week. Louisville, KY read more

Homelessness Law Blog
Mitt Romney and the Mythical Safety-net

homelessnesslaw

7 Feb 2012 | 8:53 am

In a CNN interview last week, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney assured a reporter that he is “not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there.” There’s so much wrong with that statement. The assumption that the government’s current programs to alleviate poverty are sufficient is a total myth. As the discrepancy between housing costs and income continues to widen, more and more families and individuals are at risk of ending up on the street. According to the National Center on Family Homelessness, over 1.5 million children are homeless each year. …
UN to Sacramento: You’re Violating Human Rights of Homeless People

homelessnesslaw

6 Feb 2012 | 12:20 pm

The Law Center and its local allies have won a big victory on behalf of homeless campers in Sacramento. For well over a year, campers have been forced to transport bags full of waste on a bicycle to a public restroom miles away from their tent city. In an unprecedented letter to Mayor Kevin Johnson, the United Nations has delivered a clear message: by not providing sanitation and safe drinking water, the city is violating the human rights of homeless persons. The letter, sent by UN Special Rapporteur Catarina de Albuquerque, cites targeted closings of public restrooms, decommissioning of…
The Drifting Dark

homelessnesslaw

2 Feb 2012 | 9:00 am

“I’ll be around. Somehow. I used to fall asleep thinking I wouldn’t wake up. Now I know better. Now I know, honey – it goes on and on and on.” Last February, I wrote about a woman named “V.” She’s a homeless person who sat outside our K Street office for the better part of a year. I visited with her daily, and bought her lunch from time to time. She talked about the pain she was in, her addiction to alcohol, and the vicious love of her dead father. In between, she’d point out young women on the street and insist they were looking at me. My visits weren’t noble. I can…
Recognizing the Invisible

homelessnesslaw

1 Feb 2012 | 11:44 am

Too often in our society, homeless persons are devalued, ignored, and treated with much less respect than they deserve.They become accustomed to people walking by with only a disgusted glance in their direction.This lack of acknowledgment is dehumanizing. Earlier this week, advocates in Rhode Island gathered to acknowledge and memorialize the lives of over 35 individuals who died homeless in the state in 2011.We commend Beneficent Church in Providence for the service they held and the time they dedicated to honor those our society failed.At the memorial, names were read aloud and thirty-five…
US Issues Human Rights Report, Downplays Housing Rights Violations

homelessnesslaw

31 Jan 2012 | 9:19 am

On Friday December 30, 2011, the United States Government issued its Fourth Periodic Report on the Implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to the United Nations Human Rights Committee. The report, over 400 pages long, contains numerous references to human rights issues of interest to housing advocates, including: fair housing, foreclosures, public housing, racial, gender, and disability-based discrimination, domestic violence, and homelessness. To aid advocates in responding to the report, the Law Center has produced a summary of housing references.

...With Housing and Justice For All
WLCH’s “Fact Sheet on Homelessness and Poverty”

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

17 Jan 2012 | 2:47 pm

Approximately 14 years ago, the Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless drafted for the first time a document which has since come to be known simply as “The Fact Sheet.” This document was originally entitled “Homelessness in D.C.—Some Basic Facts”, … Continue reading →
Oversight Roundtable on Winter Plan

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

20 Oct 2011 | 1:44 pm

Today, starting at 2pm, the District of Columbia Council’s Committee on Human Services is conducting a roundtable to discuss the Department of Human Services’ plan to protect the lives of people who are homeless this winter. Below is the testimony … Continue reading →
{Client Victories – 6/14/2011}

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

14 Jun 2011 | 3:49 pm

When Alison Battiste, an attorney with Kalorama Partners, first met her client, LB, at our Unity Clinic intake site, LB had no source of income and no place to call her own. After many months of work, Alison won over … Continue reading →
Open Letter to Chairman Brown

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

7 Jun 2011 | 4:17 pm

Dear Chairman Brown: In large measure due to your leadership, over 1500 District residents struggling with homelessness have been sleeping a little easier since May 25th. Especially in these challenging fiscal times, we at the Washington Legal Clinic for the … Continue reading →
Mind the [Wealth] Gap!

Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

1 Jun 2011 | 11:38 am

Guest blog post by Stephanie Niedringhaus Each day, as I walk between Washington’s Union Station and my office, I see people who are either homeless or in difficult housing situations. I buy Street Sense from some, chat with others. Whether I … Continue reading →

News & Events
President Kevin Ryan Featured in Indianapolis Star

jburke@covenanthouse.org

7 Feb 2012 | 8:23 am

President Kevin Ryan Featured in Indianapolis Star President Kevin Ryan Featured in Indianapolis Star Real problem, real victims, but exaggerated numbers Every year, before the Super Bowl, or the Olympics, or the World Cup, advocates for human trafficking victims, as well as police and nonprofit groups, have predicted that tens of thousands of prostituted people will arrive in town to service the fans, who, presumably, will be male, inclined to buy sex and rich enough to do so. Tue, 2012-02-07 09:14 Sat, 2026-02-07 09:14 General Donation Ask - Cold Weather read more
Home Team Update

devch

27 Jan 2012 | 11:55 am

Home Team Update Home Team Update Covenant House’s Home Team is looking forward to an incredible year in 2012. The Home Team has more participants, has raised more money, and is involved in more endurance events than ever before! As each team member will cross the finish line this year, they are proving to homeless youth that they too can cross their finish line. Fri, 2012-01-27 12:53 Tue, 2026-01-27 12:53 General Donation Ask - Cold Weather read more
Former Covenant House New York Resident Featured in the New York Time’s “Neediest Cases”

devch

26 Jan 2012 | 2:50 pm

Former Covenant House New York Resident Featured in the New York Time’s “Neediest Cases” Former Covenant House New York Resident Featured in the New York Time’s “Neediest Cases” De Andre Hill, 19, is the first to admit it: He grew up way too soon. He was raised in Greensboro, N.C., and spent his teenage years looking after three half-sisters, preparing dinners of burger patties and spaghetti for them, insisting they do their homework and comforting them when they cried themselves to sleep. Thu, 2012-01-26 15:49 Mon, 2026-01-26 15:49 General Donation Ask - Cold Weather read more
VIDEO: Aviva partners with Covenant House to get homeless youth off the street

devch

26 Jan 2012 | 2:42 pm

Aviva partners with Covenant House Aviva partners with Covenant House In November Aviva USA and Covenant House announced a partnership that will impact the lives of thousands of youth across America. Aviva USA’s two-year sponsorship of our mission represents one of the largest individual funding commitments to Covenant House in our 40-year history. Thu, 2012-01-26 15:36 Mon, 2026-01-26 15:36 General Donation Ask - Cold Weather read more
NY Times Op-Ed Joins Call To Pull Backpage.com

devch

26 Jan 2012 | 2:34 pm

NY Times Op-Ed Joins Call To Pull Backpage.com NY Times Op-Ed Joins Call To Pull Backpage.com Recently Covenant House President Kevin Ryan wrote a blog citing evidence that pimps and traffickers are turning to the internet in their efforts to sell young, vulnerable children online. Thu, 2012-01-26 15:27 Mon, 2026-01-26 15:27 General Donation Ask - Cold Weather read more

Love, Life, Light
Photo

16 Jan 2012 | 5:02 pm
Photo

16 Jan 2012 | 1:28 pm
Photo

2 Sep 2011 | 9:00 pm
it's not really me "asking" you anything its more of me telling you that i love your work. seeing pictures of somewhere i love to be, makes me feel closer to where i need to be.

2 Sep 2011 | 9:18 am

Your words are too kind! Thank you. Pittsburgh is a city deserving to be photographed time and time again.
Bike and City

2 Sep 2011 | 9:00 am

Bike and City

Stone Soup Station
Cross Point Community Church Workers Bring Hope & Help To South Raleigh Homeless

3 Feb 2012 | 6:55 am

As soon as I saw the picture in the article below, my thoughts turned to days spent at Nashville's largest homeless encampment, Tent City, doing similar work on not just one or several but dozens of occasions. And it wasn't just me out there, Otter Creek Baptist Church Pastor Doug Sanders, students in droves from Lipscomb and Vanderbilt universities, concerned citizens who brought time, resources - including backhoes and dump trucks - with them, a whole community pitching in to help the "neighborhood" of Tent City clean up decades of dumping and trash in their little corner of the city.
UPDATE: Confirmed: Willie "the Mayor" Shoemaker Passed Away

2 Feb 2012 | 1:40 pm

2/2/12: After asking around quite a bit, friend and colleague Tasha French helped me confirm that the news about Mayor Willie's death is correct. Many thanks to Tasha, as well as Rachel Hester & Jeff Moles, from Room In The Inn, for their help in separating fact from fiction. Can't tell you how sad I am to hear this. _________________________________________________________________ To add to today's bad news about the loss of Contributor Vendor Andrew Owens, I was informed, although I haven't confirmed it yet, that one of my old clients has passed away after succumbing…
Tent City University: "Anyone can teach, everyone can learn"

2 Feb 2012 | 7:19 am

"If you're under the impulse to find greater support for what you're doing, you listen more closely and you question more vigorously.""If you want to take it to a more mystical, spiritual level they're dreaming another world awake. That's the way some of them see it."I love this idea, because having experienced "education" in public school systems and state universities here in America, I recognize the need for a more informal venue, a "learning community" that adjusts to the needs and demands of students in a way that simply cannot happen within the structure of the traditional system.
Contractor Mary Forristall: "When was America all about everyone being equal?”

1 Feb 2012 | 9:20 pm

Clearly, some folks have failed to understand what makes America the greatest place on earth, even with the passel of problems we face as a country today. Come to think of it, it may very well be that ignorance like this is exactly why we have the problems in this country in the first place... February 01, 2012 06:00 PM The Great Debate: America and Equality By Mike Lux "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal..." - Thomas Jefferson, July 4, 1776 "Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and…
Why Can't Nashville Establish Affordable Housing Opportunities Like This?

1 Feb 2012 | 6:47 am

Anytime I see a story about someone or some organization who has been able to raise enough private money to establish a housing complex for the chronically homeless, replete with wraparound case management services, I am struck by the lack of Nashville's ability to do the same. In fact, I find it heartbreaking that in a city priding itself on the belief that we come together in times of trouble cannot come together enough to help establish affordable housing for the hundreds of individuals living on our streets, in our woods, and even in our doghouses. It's certainly not from a lack of…

Hugh's Views
Link Blogging

Hugh

6 Feb 2012 | 8:21 am

Once upon a time, I blogged. I blogged about bookselling, I blogged about small business, I blogged about moving to Raleigh, I blogged about cats, I blogged about faith. No theme, no purpose. Just blogging. It was fun. The beginning of the end of this for me was, I think, Twitter. In the old days (say, before 2008 or so), I would see a neat article or picture or video, post it to my blog and talk about it. Now, I just post it to Twitter and move on. No in-depth thought, no commentary (after all, I only have 140 characters), nothing but a link and maybe, a hash tag. Then, I posted a few…
Deciding to Change

Hugh

8 Jan 2012 | 4:51 pm

It was the window seat I snagged that day, to the left of a sixty-something year old man who smelled vaguely of urine and cigarettes. “If you stay on this road long enough”, my odiferous neighbor tells me, “you hit the Atlantic Ocean.” He then laughs, as if he has revealed previously hidden wisdom. As his laughter descends into his chest, creating a raspy cough, we pass to the right of the Pyramid, its shiny metal siding reflecting light into my eyes as the driver heads toward the ocean. I won’t be going quite that far. For 13 years, I lived in Memphis. Growing up, a dirt-poor…
Vigil for Victims of Gun Violence

Hugh

3 Jan 2012 | 8:03 pm

The following is being put on by some pretty cool local folks – I wanted to pass it on to those of you who may be interested. If you are interested, but not local, check out this link to see if there is a vigil in your neck of the woods. Too Many Victims January 8 is the one-year anniversary of the Tucson Massacre, which claimed the lives of six Americans and wounded 13 others. On this somber day, we will remember all of those who have been hurt by and lost to gun violence. In cities across the country, we will gather. In Raleigh we will light a candle for those we’ve lost…
Writing With ADHD

Hugh

30 Dec 2011 | 9:45 am

At 8:30 AM, I sit down to write for an hour and a half. Suddenly, I feel thirsty. “No”, I tell myself. “You cannot get up to get a drink of water. You are just procrastinating.” As long as I am distracted, I might as well check Facebook, just one last time. I look at the clock and notice it is now 8:42AM. Damn Facebook all to hell. I got caught up reading about the “Top 11 Pop Culture events of 2011“. (Is it just me, or is it cold in here?) The problem is the internet, obviously. It’s then I remember, earlier this year, Seth Godin had written about a…
Blogging Hiatus

Hugh

21 Dec 2011 | 6:30 pm

Hey Friends, Just a note to let you know I will be largely offline (and 100% out of the blogging world) for the balance of 2011. A lot of incredible things (and a few that sucked) have hapened in 2011, and I want to be able to give them the introspection they deserve. I hope you and your family have an incredible holiday season, and I wish for you every good thing in the coming year. See you in 2012. Grace and Peace, Hugh PS: If you need me, twitter or email are going to be the best way. But then again, they are always the best way.

Homeless

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