if its this way in my city its bound to be in yours too

Poverty and Homelessness. It is all around us whether we admit it or not. In the city where I live leaders pretend poverty and homelessness are not issues they need to deal with.

They say we don't have the funds in the budget. The reality is the funds are there just not allocated, won't be allocated to help deal with the reality of great need in our community. It will take persistent voices to make a difference. I have begun to speak.

All across the nation city ordinances have been passed to criminalize homelessness. Basically it is against the law to be homeless. Does this make sense?

The National Coalition (NCA) for the Homeless have ranked the meanest cities in our country when it comes to treatment of homeless. Here is their top five meanest:

Sarasota, Florida
Lawrence, Kansas
Little Rock, Arkansas
Atlanta, Georgia
Las Vegas, Nevada

In the great state of Texas.... Houston and Dallas make the top ten in the mean list and San Antonio is 15.

Over the course of a year 3.5 million Americans expereince homelessness according to the NCA.

In my city 32, 552 individuals were assisted at our Network Community Ministry and 13,363 families were helped. What they are discovering this year is that the need is growing and those coming for help are brand new to poverty. Middle class folks who have never had to ask for help are now turning up for food and financial assistance. I'm talking about an Investment Banker and a Police Officer.

And my city does nothing. Oh they build beautiful parks and improve roads, and make way for new development.....and all these things are good. I am thankful for the cities effort to improve and beautify our home. But people are in need and we have a responsibilty to do something about it.

So, I have begun to speak. Here, the local newspaper, and letters to the city leaders, and Sunday the pulpit.

What have we become if we don't care about those who have lost thier home?