Staggering facts on homelessness

1. The solution is sustainable living.The problem is you’re not helping. Featuring Lyrics from “Tears Are Not Enough” by Bryan Adams PhotoKen Lewis

2. As every day goes byhow can we close our eyesuntil we open up our hearts Austin has approximately 2,400 rental assistance vouchers This leaves 19,300 households underserved* * Comprehensive Housing Market Study, City of Austin – Neighborhood Housing & Community Development, BBC Research & Consulting, March 3, 2009 Photo BL 1961

3. We can learn to shareAnd show how much we careRight from the moment that we start The average life expectancy for the homeless ranges from 42 to 52* * O’Connell, Jim, MD. Premature Mortality in Homeless Populations: A Review of the Literature Nashville: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, December 2005. Photo DaliBorley

4. Seems like overnightWe see the world in a different lightSomehow our innocence is lost According to a University of Texas survey, each homeless person cost the taxpayers $14,480 per year* * Diamond, Pamela and Steven B. Schneed, Lives in the Shadows: Some of the Costs and Consequences of a "Non-System" of Care. Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 1991 Photo SamPac

5. How can we look away'Cause every single dayWe've got to help at any costWe can bridge the distanceOnly we can make the differenceDon't ya know that tears are not enough 1 of 8 women in homeless situations report being raped* Photo Arty Smokes * http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html

6. If we can pull togetherWe could change the world foreverHeaven knows that tears are not enough 44% of homeless persons had paying jobs during the last month 20% worked in a job lasting or expected to last at least 3 months* Photo Franco Folini * http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html

7. It's up to me and youTo make the dream come trueIt's time to take our message everywhere On a single night in January 2008, there were 664,414 sheltered & unsheltered homeless persons nationwide* * 2009 HUD Homeless Assessment Report Photo Don Hankins

8. If we should try together you and IMaybe we could understand the reasons why 46% of homeless report chronic health conditions related to their living situation and inability to access adequate healthcare* * http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html Photo James Willamor

9. If we take a stand every woman, child and manWe can make it work For God's sake, lend a hand 22% of those in homeless situations report being assaulted* * http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html PhotoBobTheMtnBiker’s

10. Our Tears Are Not Enough Donate Volunteer Do something Photo Metrix_X

11. Please, do something Turn the page to learn about Mobile Loaves & Fishes and how you can do something Photo Chris A Carson

12. We’ve got 10,000 volunteers. We’re looking for # 10,001. A little goes a long way Please, do something Who we are: Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. What we do: Provide food, clothing, and dignity to those in need in Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, Providence, and Nashville. $10 30 Pairs of Socks If you can’t volunteer, will you donate? $20 Bread for 128 Sandwiches $50 Cheese for 600 Sandwiches $75 Peanut Butter for 900 Sandwiches $100 2000 Cups of Coffee Visit us