0 Fiddle Dee Dumb!

I don't remember much of the ancient history I was exposed to in high school, but I do remember something about politicians fiddling while Rome burned.... No road map needed to see where I'm going with this one....

Amazed that where I'm parked--in the deep woods outside Pensacola--that I got a signal at all, much less one that streamed video, I watched quite a bit of the health care summit today.  I shook my head in befuddlement. Sure, a few bright spots emerged, and I was impressed with Obama's ability to try to diplomatically but firmly herd cats, but my worries on behalf of our country, specifically about how homeless families and teens will fare under the 111th Congress, well, they grew.

I've been posting news stories about homelessness from across the nation on the HEAR US "Homelessness in the News" page. I know it's hard to keep track of these issues, and I figure it's a service HEAR US can do, knowing students, educators, interested individuals, etc., are always wanting information.

I also monitor the Change.org homelessness blog, in addition to writing a weekly post for their Poverty in America section. This morning I almost choked on my yogurt as I read the Homelessness blog and saw the expressed concern from the National Alliance to end Homelessness about the growing number of homeless families staying in motels.

Not long ago, NAEH was instrumental in brutally obstructing and killing a bill that would have increased the definition of homelessness to actually include families doubled-up with others or staying in motels. They weren't really homeless, or so they said. I even made a 3-minute video, "So They Say" to depict this issue. 

Now this national advocacy group has become enlightened. I suppose it's because the new HUD leadership and the new president have shifted direction. That's good. I wonder about their dedication to an issue that didn't seem worthy just a few short months ago. It's about the children, the teens, the families in turmoil...like the family living in a tent for 6 months that I met in blustery Oregon (in pix).

If you'd like to do something to help--HEAR US has a petition to urge the Senate to strengthen laws to make sure homeless kids can get an education. Sign it and share it, and do whatever else you can for the skyrocketing numbers of invisible homeless kids in our country.

Seems to me that Congress would get a lot more done if politics (money) didn't interfere. Lobbyists and special interest groups that likely have something to gain from massaging the issues contribute to a heap of suffering in this country. Which brings me back to that ancient, ancient history lesson....

Detail: Fiddle Dee Dumb!

0 A Familiar Cough--A Bleak Reminder

Too often as the director of a busy Illinois suburban homeless shelter I heard that cough that served as living proof of a lack of health care and a brutal lifestyle.



This morning, at the state park I'm calling home for the weekend, my neighbor barked regularly as he struggled under the hood with a malfunctioning engine of a very old SUV.



While he worked wordlessly, his 5-year-old daughter gingerly skirted their campsite, where their very old camper was parked. She looked like she just got home from church, but the family hadn't left their spot. Her blue dress and pretty shoes with white socks belied their camping experience.



Is this family homeless? I'd bet my lunch money they are. If so, they are among the countless others in this southern New Mexico area who are forced to make due because no safety net exists to speak of--no family shelter, very limited other assistance.



I met with the local mayor this week. A nice enough man, newly elected, he seemed unaware of the nature of homelessness among his community's families. I'm sure his agenda is overflowing with critical issues.



Seems to me we need to make the well-being of families critical issues. They've been ignored far too long. It's just like this dad's cough--it doesn't go away, it gets worse and is more expensive and painful to treat. Left untreated, it can lead to dire consequences.



Those concerned about the well-being of homeless families and teens can do something about it. HEAR US is urging people to participate in our Piggies' Campaign, a way to let Congress know that these invisible homeless families and teens are out here, coughing, wheezing, and struggling to get by each day.

Detail: A Familiar Cough--A Bleak Reminder