Homelessness in US increasing due to struggling economy

According to the VOA news (http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-04-09-voa63.cfm) the increase in homelessness may be atoned to the United States recent recession. The recent count for homelessness in Los Angeles is not yet in, but according to people working with the homeless there is a chronic problem growing. Job losses and foreclosures are part of a problem that has seen people move out of homes to live in cheap motels, in their cars and vans, or stay with family and friends. Parts of California have even begun to see “tent cities” spring up on the outskirts of major centers’.

In Los Angeles, the homeless who don’t have family and friends to help them out during this difficult period tend to congregate in a downtown neighborhood called Skid Row where shelters and food programs are concentrated. The other major center that seems to attract the homeless is the neighborhood of Hollywood.

But in this tough economic time, the Dream Center has come out and increased all of their programs that are put in place to serve this growing community. In the last few months the Dream Center has been giving out more to the people through means of food, medical care, shelter, and a general love and respect for everyone during their difficult struggle.

With approximately 82,000 homeless people in the city, the Dream Center has found a need and is attempting to fill it. The Under the Bridge ministry heads down to different places throughout the city most notably Skid Row, to bring food and friendship to people in need. Hope for Homeless Youth runs programs throughout Hollywood and other local neighborhoods offering people shelter and food in exchange for nothing but the hope that the love of God will be shown through their actions.

Of course there are many other reasons for homelessness beside the recent recession. Addiction and alcoholism are two of the leading causes of recession, and the Dream Center does all it can to help people be rehabilitated and brought back into society through their discipleship program.

For more information on any of these ministries check out the website at http://www.dreamcenter.org or call at (213) 273-7000.