Mark Horvath: Putting a face on the homeless (via CNN)

Please meet Mark Horvath, a former executive who became homeless. Clearly, Mark knows what it is like to become one of the invisible people. The link to his CNN-featured story is to the right of this caption (courtesy of invisiblepeople.tv).

FROM EXECUTIVE TO HOMELESS TO ADVOCATE FOR THE "INVISIBLE PEOPLE"

The Criminalization of Homelessness in U.S. Cities

"Homes not Handcuffs" is an article originally published in July 2009 by the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Law Center on Homelessness & Poverty.

With foreclosures and unemployment rapidly increasing, the IFC continues to meet the needs of Orange County.

Link to article: "Homes not Handcuffs"

Homelessness is EVERYONE'S problem.

The realities of hunger in America; One (of many) solutions

Below is a link to an article from the New York Times about hunger in the United States.

New York Times - Hunger in the USA;

Also, please meet CNN HERO: Mr. Jorge Munoz -- one of many who provide solutions to the rising problems of homelessness and hunger. Click on link below....

Bus Driver Delivers Free Home-Cooked Meals

A Poem: 'The Will'

News From Our Shoes is a Raleigh-based magazine with the purpose of advancing an understanding about homelessness. What makes it unique is that the articles are written and edited by people who are experiencing homelessness, or who have at some point. Visit their website: http://www.newsfromourshoes.net/. The following is one of the poems from their website...

The Will by Rafiq S. Rashad

Please don't say that I gave up Just say I gave in Don't say that I lost the battle For it is God's war To win Please don't say how good or how bad I was for I did my best I tried to do what was right To give the most I could have dont less Please don't give me halos Cause that's for God to do I want no more than I deserve No extras, just my due. Don't give me flowers Or talk in hustled tones For a homeless man Knows what to do I've made my new home. Don't talk about what Could have been It's over and it's done Just to see my family Get their needs The battle has been won. When you draw a Picture of me Don't draw me as a Homeless drunk I've done some good And I've done some bad Don't just use the light And bright tones Use some gray and dark In fact, don't put me In your mouth After I'm gone Paint me In your heart Don't just remember The good times But remember the bad ones Too For life is full of Many things Some happy and some blue But if you have something For a homeless man Then I have one last request... Forgive me for all the wrong I have done and with the love that's left Thank God that a homeless man Has been blessed Thank God For all who loved me Praise God For he loved me best. Rafiq S. Rashad

Blanket Orange County

The 6th annual drive to Blanket Orange County begins December 1 and runs through December 21! This year, they are in search of 300 blankets for the homeless in Orange County. You can help by donating a blanket or giving a cash donation. For more information, visit: http://www.businessclassinc.com/blanketorangecounty/

The IFC Needs Your Help For The Holidays

Below is a link to an interview with the IFC's Executive Director, Chris Moran. As the IFC works to meet the increased food and service demands, everyone's help is needed.

Interview: The IFC Needs Your Help for the Holidays

Homeless on the Capitol's Doorstep

Here is a link to an incredible article that chronicles the realities of homelessness...two blocks from the White House: Homelessness on the Capitol Doorsteps

Here is a link to a story of a woman who is trying to give voices to 'America's Hidden Homeless'....in our backyards....America's Hidden Homeless

Homelessness is EVERYONE'S problem.