When Johnny Came Marching Home, He Found Himself Unemployed And Homeless

"VA is committed to ending the cycle of homelessness among Veterans. We will use every tool at our disposal – health care, education, jobs, safe housing – to ensure our Veterans are restored to lives with dignity, purpose and safety."
– Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs –

On Friday, the Texas Insider reported that the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs was "… allocating $39 million to fund about 2,200 new transitional housing beds through grants to local providers" as part of its efforts to end homelessness among Veterans within five years.  

Phoenix admonishes local church: “Thou Shalt Not Feed The Homeless”

Imagine yourself as a member of a church and being told by local government that you aren’t allowed to do good works in accordance to your faith.

That’s exactly what has happened in Phoenix, AZ.

Since January 2009, the CrossRoads United Methodist Church has been holding a Saturday morning breakfast. However, due to complaints from some of the church’s "neighbors," city officials have ordered the church to cease holding the weekly event – saying that it violates local zoning ordinances which prohibit "charity dining halls" from operating in residential areas.  

A Return On Investment I’d Like To See

I read an interesting opinion column in the Christian Science Monitor on Friday. It was about the how folks in Vancouver, British Columbia, were being impacted due to their city’s hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics.

One of the first things I noted was the cost.  

The New Year May Bring $3500 In Fines For One Pennsylvania Church

I don’t know who said it first – or when – but there is a phrase which states: "Never discuss religion or politics in polite company"

For the most part, I guess that’s pretty good advice because those are two topics which can create quite a ruckus even between the best of friends.

Yet, despite how good advice it may seem, I blog about homelessness. And religion and politics are often a part of the mix.

Case in point –  

Colorado Springs: Another Town Struggling With Homeless Encampments

Like many other cities across the nation, Colorado Springs, CO., has seen an increase of "tent cities" within its city limits.

And, like many other cities, Colorado Springs is trying to find a way to address the issue.

Later today, they will be considering an ordinance which would prohibit "camping" on public property.