Jan. 27, 2010
Those who are homeless are often invisible, ignored.
We chose to see, or not see, the man begging for change as we walk down the street. We forget that our friends who just needed a place to stay “for a few days” are still sleeping on our couch. We ignore the waitress who sleeps [...]

Jan. 19, 2010
The Washington Post today reported that the crush of those seeking public services has so far exceeded the district’s ability to process applications that some have been forced to spend day after day waiting in line.
It is a far cry from the near mob scene in Detroit last October when thousands of people [...]

Dec. 28, 2009
Human beings are not meant to live in the cold. Some of us may enjoy living in cooler regions, but I doubt anyone enjoys spending any real amount of time exposed to the elements without proper clothing.
Yet routinely the poor and the homeless are left ill prepared to shelter themselves from the cold. [...]

Dec. 27, 2009
Earlier this week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced the release of $1.4 billion in grants to help keep thousands of local homeless assistance programs operating.
It pales in comparison to the massive bailouts handed out to financial institutions earlier this year, but it is welcome news nonetheless. The grants will [...]

Dec. 24, 2009
Today many of us will spend the day finishing up preparations for Christmas. Gifts will be wrapped, last-minute trips to the store will be made, food will be cooked and family and friends will gather as the festivities begin.
And so many people are truly generous this time of year. It is the busiest [...]

Dec. 17, 2009
It is no secret that so many of the homeless in this country are veterans. And little shocks me these days. But I found myself surprised to learn the number of homeless female veterans to be on the rise.
According to a report by the National Alliance to End Homelessness, women are a growing [...]

Dec. 16, 2009
More than a year ago my husband and I were at home one Sunday morning when he noticed the back of our apartment was on fire. Faulty electrical wiring in the restaurant below had created a fire that was likely smoldering for hours before it spread to our apartment.
In the months that followed [...]

Day 94–Oct. 5 (rest in Cleveland, OH, 0.0 miles)
As a general rule I try not to give money to panhandlers. It is not that they are not deserving. It is not that I do not care. I don’t give money because it does not solve the problem. Instead I prefer to give money where it [...]

Day 91–Oct. 2 (Hiram, OH – Aurora, OH, 11.1 miles)
Poverty. It is a word no one likes to hear. It is not something we want to acknowledge exists in a country as wealthy as the United States. But far too many times when I tell people I’m walking for poverty and homelessness I’m told I [...]

Day 90–Oct. 1 ( Braceville, OH – Hiram, OH, 10.8 miles)
On more than one occasion on this trip I have been told I do not look like someone on a walk for poverty and homeless. Most days, but by no means all, I have started my morning with a hot shower. I have a computer [...]

Day 89–Sept. 30 ( Lake Milton, OH – Braceville, OH, 14.8 miles)
*came to Lake Milton from Warren by car and spoke to students at Jackson-Milton Elementary School
When we are young we are told not to talk to strangers. We are told to fear those who are different, to judge people by their appearance.
Last night I [...]

Day 85–Sept. 26 (Beaver Falls, PA-New Castle, PA 18 miles)
In the bad times, when we struggle and make our way through hardship or tragedy, we vow we will never forget. But we do forget.
When I was first married I can remember struggling to pay the bills and staying up nights wondering how we were going [...]

Day 84–Sept. 25 (Baden, PA-Beaver Falls, PA, 10.8 miles)
Twenty miles to the north of Pittsburgh the town of Aliquippa is perhaps the most run-down town I have seen in my life. Many of its buildings are abandoned and drug dealers and prostitutes run rampant. I was warned against visiting the town. I was told it [...]

Day 23–July 26 (Greensburg, PA-Irwin, PA, 8.1 miles)
Loitering is not my idea of a good time. And I doubt most people enjoy loitering. But, when you are homeless, it is a way of life.
Since I’ve begun this journey I’ve spent hours loitering. I’ve loitered at Panera, at Starbucks and McDonald’s. I’ve spent time lingering far [...]

Day 69–Sept. 10
Coming soon!