'Perfect storm:' More families are on the street

[flashl]

By MARY JANE SMETANKA,
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/26852669.html?elr=KArks:DCiUnP::DE8c7PiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU
Star Tribune

Last update: August 12, 2008 - 8:33 AM

The number of homeless families seeking help from Hennepin County is up dramatically over last year, alarming human services officials and forcing the county to use a downtown hotel as an overflow family shelter.

In the first six months of the year, 27 percent more homeless families came to the county for help than in the same period last year.

People who work with the homeless say the increase is driven by people losing their jobs, foreclosures on apartment buildings that displace renters and the effects of welfare reform that has recipients reaching the end of their 60-month lifetime limit on cash assistance.

"It's a perfect storm," said Cathy ten Broeke, the coordinator of a Minneapolis-Hennepin County program that has a goal of eliminating homelessness within a decade. "We're extremely challenged by this new economic reality, to say the least."

[billyoc]

1. Do not despair, help is on the way! Come to the Xcel Center Sept. 1-4.

You can hear all about how good you're doing, from the Compassionate Conservatives themselves. Remember to bring all of your friends, admission is free.

[charleslb]

2. Homelessness is the True Face of Capitalism

Homelessness is just the reality of capitalism made especially stark and poignant.

http://www.thetotalrevolutionproject.com