Building Local Support

A key to any attempt to prevent or end homelessness is working to gain local support. There is a lot of "NIMBY" thinking - Not In My Back Yard. People want to help to end homelessness in theory, but are hesitant when it comes to putting programs in place that may make them uncomfortable or challenge their ideas of how it should be done in their community. A lot of people think that Homeless Shelters and Transitional Housing Complexes are good things, but they don't necessarily want to live next to one. If we're trying a build a community plan to end homelessness, and really work together, that type of thinking may need to become a thing of the past. Nan Roman, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness shares this point of view. It makes me happy that someone in her position has this outlook and is working towards practical ways to end homelessness. I've had the pleasure of hearing Nan speak several times at the NAEH conference in Washington, and I hope to hear her speak again in the future.



"Then you must celebrate the harvest to honor the LORD your God. Bring him freewill offerings in proportion to the blessings you have received from Him." Deuteronomy 16:10