Is fear preventing us from solving homelessness?

Homelessness is not, by any stretch of the imagination, an easy issue to address. And although I personally do not believe that homelessness can be eliminated altogether, I am nonetheless convinced that we can significantly reduce the numbers of folks who are experiencing homelessness. But in order to do so, we have to look beyond the myths and stereotypes associated with homelessness.  

Nathanial Anthony Ayers: The Soloist

This past Friday, The Soloist opened in theatres across the country.

The film, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx, is based on a true story and recounts the meeting of Los Angeles Times writer Steve Lopez and musical virtuoso Nathanial Anthony Ayers.

While in his second year at Juilliard, Mr. Ayers developed schizophrenia and became homeless – eventually making his way to Los Angeles.  

Token Gestures

A little over a week ago I wrote a post titled, Genuine Solutions or Temporary Fixes?

It was about the dismantling of the tent city in Sacramento which had garnered national and international media attention after having been spotlighted on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Because of public outcry (and criticism), Sacramento’s Mayor, it’s city council and California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger went into overdrive to find a way to house those homeless who would be displaced due to the dismantling.  

Another Open Letter

Note to my Readers:

I ask your indulgence as I use this post to deal with a comment that had been submitted in response to what I wrote yesterday morning. As you read I hope that you will understand my thoughts and feelings in this matter.

- m -

  

Independence Day 2008

“A hungry man is not a free man.”
- Adlai Stevenson (Democratic Politician) -

Tomorrow is Independence Day. It is the day we celebrate the birth of the United States. It is a day of remembrance of the day when our nation found its freedom.