Re-Connecting, Right in our Backyard(s)

Step-by-step re-connection with the local community:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/30/homeless-world-cup-inspir_n_630407.html

Businessman in Tennessee gives land to homeless for tent community

The recent floods in Tennessee displaced the Tent City which was an encampment for homeless. Since the flood last month the camp has been in search of a new place for the camp. A local businessman leased 120 acres to several churches in the area. The camp is helping about 30 residents. However, it would seem that this situation has caused the usual fair of ire from the neighborhood. Nearby residents are unhappy because they were not asked if it was OK with them that the tent community moved to the area. Rather strange as this writer does not usually ask her neighbors what may or may not be done on her property. A city council member is even reported to say that the community should have been consulted before the camp moved into the area. The health department was also it seems called in this case and came out to inspect the camp. The health inspectors said that a camp ground was allowed in the area under the zoning codes. The camp is the subject of a public meeting on June 3rd.

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12563355

http://www.wsmv.com/news/23715115/detail.html

http://www.newschannel5.com/Global/story.asp?S=12557270

Health Care for the Homeless

Homeless are less likely to receive basic health care a new study shows. According to poll results analyzed by researchers at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program that homeless have a substantial inability to get the health care that they need.

Lack of health insurance or money to pay were the reasons most frequently associated with lack of care, followed by insufficient food, vision problems, and having been in foster care when young.


http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/healthday/639182.html

Boston has a Healthcare Program that is specifically aimed helping the homeless receive proper health care.

http://www.bhchp.org/

California Homeless Blog

A California Blog devoted to homelessness and poverty. This is something that everyone interested in these issues might want to take a look at from time-to-time to see what is happening.

http://www.povertyinsights.org/category/news-policies-trends/
http://www.examiner.com/x-37705-LA-Homelessness-Examiner~y2010m5d23-Los-Angeles-homeless-blog-transforms-into-an-online-poverty-site

Quote of the Day

"Some people want a homeless life. "Some people, they really do." Mayor Liionel Rivera

So please Mayor Rivera tell us how you really feel.

This is the Mayor of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

This city has just said no to about $43 million in federal assitance about the city refused to raise taxes in any way, causes the city to sut fire, police, and social services to the city.

The local governments response was that they did not want to add to the federal deficit. How fiscally responsible of them----being that $43 million is just a drop in the great ocean of things that are adding to the federal deficit.

Amazing that it never came into the heads of these politians that people that have jobs, homes, and security tend to spend money----and stimulate the economy.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/19/lionel-rivera-makes-olber_n_582193.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-sirota/gop-those-thrown-out-of-t_b_577893.html?ir=Denver

Michigan Daily Article

MISSION again spotlighted in the Michigan Daily.
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/tents-still-pitched-camp-take-notice?page=0,0

And here is video interview with Caleb Poirier
http://www.michigandaily.com/content/news-camp-take-notice

Homeless in Boulder hold "sleep-ins"

Boulder, Colorado homeless individuals are holding “sleep-ins” and educational events to press the city of Boulder to provide legal places for the homeless to sleep at night.

Apparently Boulder has an ordinance that allows the police to issue a $100 ticket to anyone caught “seeking shelter” on city property.

Wow!!!! What can anyone say---- that is amazing that human beings in need of shelter are ticketed for sleeping. There are NO shelters in the city of Boulder May 1 through October 15th.

http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewsco/Boulder.homeless.to.2.1695497.html
http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewsco/Boulder.homeless.protest.2.1697245.html
http://www.dailycamera.com/ci_15099272#axzz0oF3POMqo