“Case workers at The Road Home say many homeless people do have cell phones, but rules require they have to go to public libraries and other places to connect online for social networking.”
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Author: Lisa Gieskes
Protecting Students Against the Effects of Poverty: Libraries
Stephen Krashen’s recent article, Protecting Students Against the Effects of Poverty: Libraries, asserts that the most serious problem in American education is poverty.
National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day
“Homeless people will die in your community this year.
Plan to memorialize them on December 21, the first day of winter,
the longest night of the year.”
Read about the National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day here.
Survival Needs and Social Inclusion: Technology Use Among the Homeless
Jahmeilah Roberson and Bonnie Nardi, researchers at the University of California’s (Irvine)Department of Informatics, wrote, Survival Needs and Social Inclusion: Technology Use Among the
Homeless. This is an ethnographic study of issues surrounding digital technologies owned and used by homeless people in Los Angeles County.
September is Hunger Action Month
“Throughout Hunger Action Month, Feeding America’s nationwide network of more than 200 food banks is calling upon communities to take action through the “30 Ways in 30 Days” campaign. Whether it’s by advocating and raising awareness, making donations, or giving of your time and energy, find the way that’s right for you to make a difference during Hunger Action Month.”
Permanent homes for homeless vets
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allotted $15 million in funds to build permanent housing structures for homeless veterans. The following existing HUD grantees or ‘Continuums of Care’ located near the following military installations will each receive $2 million: MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida; Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California; Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas; Fort Drum in Watertown, New York; and Joint Base Lewis-McChord near Tacoma, Washington. In addition, VA medical centers in the following areas will each receive $1 million: Tampa, San Diego, Dallas, Syracuse, New York; and American Lake in Washington.
Turning Poverty Into A Multibillion-Dollar Industry
NPR’s Terry Gross interviews Gary Rivlin, author of Broke USA.
Libraries dealing with homeless try new approaches; San Francisco hires a social worker
San Francisco Public Library is the first. Read more here.
Nick Coleman: An argument on behalf of the homeless
Star Tribune writer Nick Coleman responds to the belief that homelessness is due to people’s poor choices.
National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
“The Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) has founded a National Call Center for Homeless Veterans hotline to ensure that homeless Veterans or Veterans at-risk for homelessness have free, 24/7 access to trained counselors. The hotline is intended to assist homeless Veterans and their families, VA Medical Centers, federal, state and local partners, community agencies, service providers and others in the community. To be connected with a trained VA staff member call 1-877-4AID VET (877-424-3838)…
What will happen when I call?
* You will be connected to a trained VA staff member. * Hotline staff will conduct a brief screen to assess your needs. * Homeless Veterans will be connected with the Homeless Point of Contact at the nearest VA facility. * Family members and non-VA providers calling on behalf of a homeless Veteran will be provided with information regarding the homeless programs and services available. * Contact information will be requested so staff may follow-up.”