http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences

http://www.squidoo.com/Homeless-Experiences


The lens link above, and several others are by Squidoo author Kylyssa. Worth a read to expand the discussion and understand common realities and perceptional errors about the homeless population in America. 

If you have not before logged onto Squidoo, you will be asked to set up a user name and give them and email to log in.  

Lots of information and perspectives from many sources can be found in Squidoo.  


I was impressed with the reminder on the lenses  that panhandler and homeless person are not the same thing. The author indicates that only about 1% of the homeless population are actively panhandling and that is held up by those who know this population well. This is a political issue and it affects our community socially and our public life and safety. 


Do you think it is important to separate homeless issues from panhandling ones? 


Below is an article from Tampa City Council that gives some more perspective to the topic. 


 http://www.wmnf.org/news_stories/tampa-city-council-hears-grim-homelessness-stats-skirts-panhandling-discussion


Do you think communities are better to support or shun the homeless populations?   Does it help us and how?  Is it all bad or all good? Who is interested enough to attend and follow city council meetings on this topic? 

Teammissing.com Finding local kids back home for the Summer

Newly updated version of Team Missing website. It's still evolving.  Via Russ Alman of Alternative Marketing Connections.
Russ designed this Team Missing site to go national as a way of supporting families of lost teens and connecting communities in the efforts.  Started right here in Olympia.


Forward to anyone you know with a missing child or runaway.  This site is designed to grow and be used nationwide.  


http://teammissing.com/need-help.htm

For anyone wanting to join the community efforts to bring these children home:


http://teammissing.com/

Natasha Kimbrel search effort via Team Missing web site:

http://teammissing.com/profile/Natasha-Kimbrel/

Giving up and Moving on?

 If you see a suspected runaway in your area, do not hesitate to contact authorities and get the word out! Would you consider posting flyers in your vehicle or bag and having your cell ready to discretely take a photo for confirmation and help in locating these loved ones? 


No school, no work, no home. 


Where do they hang out and spend thier days? 

        The mall
        The bus station
        The park
        The library
hotels, homeless shelters, camp sites


Consider those who get booted out or take off before age 20, some with babies living in motor homes along the streets:


Where do they eat, sleep and wash up?
What do they learn from one another? 
Why is this so common today? 


Unemployed and Drop out rates for teens in Thurston County


http://www.indicatorsnorthwest.org/DrawRegion.aspx?RegionID=53067&IndicatorID=21


http://www.indicatorsnorthwest.org/DrawRegion.aspx?RegionID=53067&IndicatorID=22




Meaningful, supervised & accessible after school & summer options for young people make a huge difference.  


Ways to facilitate loving, safe and positive reconciliation with family makes our community stronger. 


What are your ideas?