What do you think of the mayors’ Faith-based Partnership to End Homelessness? Will your congregation participate? Will you encourage your congregation to do so? Is this a good approach? The best approach?

I am not convinced this is the best approach to use in confronting homelessness. I have had experience before in a similiar program through Shelby County Interfaith. I did not see where that program made a dent in homelessness. It may have helped home ownership. Homelessness for many people is a symptom of a bigger problem. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule, but most homeless people that I have worked with over the years have mental, alcohol, or drug dependency problems. Thus, solving this group of people’s problem is far more complicated than an infusion of cash as a solution. I do believe as the faith community we cannot afford to give up and do nothing. However, I believe we would be better served to concentrate upon education (formal and informal) to teach people how to manage and be self sufficient in an uncertain economy.