More Americans Losing Their Homes

The month of May was not a good month for hardworking families struggling to keep up with their home mortgage payments. In fact, sadly, 73,000 families lost their homes in May.

The most hard-hit states were California, Nevada, and Florida. Here are some sad facts on the impact in California:

California led the nation in the sheer volume of filings, with nearly 72,000 properties in some stage of default, which works out to one out of every 183 households. More than 20,000 Californians lost their homes, more than any other state

Granted, not all of these folks will end up homeless. Most will simply re-enter the rental market. But with the demand for rental units increasing, the laws of “supply and demand” result in the increase in the price of rents. Those who struggle to simply pay rent, have a higher chance of being homeless.

This whole mortgage calamity is becoming a downward slide toward an increase of homelessness.

(Pic from http://blog.ewm.com)

From Homeless To The NBA

During the NBA basketball finals, most are reading about Lakers star Kobe Bryant or Celtics star Kevin Garnett.

There is another amazing star on the Boston Celtics team that people are talking about. His name is Leon Powe. Why? Because as a child, Powe was homeless, and also survived the foster care system.

ABC told his amazing story in a video during Game 2.

(Pic from http://biggreenmachine.files.wordpress.com)

Half A Million Clicks Mean More People Interested In Solving Homelessness

Last week, was a big milestone for LA's Homeless Blog. A half a million hits were logged on this blog.

What does that mean? It means more people are interested in (and hopefully concerned about) solving homelessness in this country.

The popular blogs are the ones that people are most interested in: politics, consumer electronics, celebrities, etc.

Thankfully, people are interested in issues, like homelessness and housing, that directly relate to the quality of our country. I know many media folks from around the country are reading this blog because they email me about some of the posts.

My hope is that this blog helps create a grassroots of support to advocate for the end of homelessness through more affordable housing, living wage employment, and holistic care.

Let's hope that our country becomes more aware of the struggles Americans endure.

(Pic from http://blog.lib.umn.edu/)

Iranian News Media Points To American Shantytowns

Homelessness in America is getting international attention. The tent cities that are propping up in our country are becoming world news.

Here is what the Iranian English media is saying:

With homes being a family's major investment, the effects of such high defaulting and foreclosures are devastating. According to the Washington-based National Alliance to End Homelessness, nationwide homeless numbers are totaling approximately 744,000 per night.

Local law enforcement cannot maintain control over the empty properties. Squatters are entering the empty homes and staying anywhere from one night to as long as they can. Some serial squatters are brazen enough to demand an amount of money to vacate, which is becoming known as “Cash for Key.” However, without electricity and running water, squatters are in dangerous violation of health and safety codes. But, they are left with no other recourse.

The crisis is also impacting renters whose landlords are experience mortgage problems. And some unsuspecting families are being swindled into actually having to “rent” out properties that are not disclosed as foreclosed.

In southern California, outside of Los Angeles, “Tent Cities” have begun to spring up. Individuals who no longer have homes or enough money to afford rentals or new mortgages have self-organized in impromptu shantytowns lacking all modern amenities and raising much concern for health, safety, and other such regulations.


(Pic from www3.nationalgeographic.com)