The solution is sustainable living.The problem is you’re not helping.Featuring Lyrics from“Tears Are Not Enough”by Bryan AdamsPhotoKen Lewis

As every day goes byhow can we close our eyesuntil we open up our heartsAustin has approximately 2,400 rental assistance vouchers This leaves 19,300 households underserved* * Comprehensive Housing Market Study, City of Austin – Neighborhood Housing & Community Development, BBC Research & Consulting, March 3, 2009Photo BL 1961

We can learn to shareAnd show how much we careRight from the moment that we startThe average life expectancy for the homeless ranges from 42 to 52* * O’Connell, Jim, MD. Premature Mortality in Homeless Populations: A Review of the Literature Nashville: National Health Care for the Homeless Council, December 2005. Photo DaliBorley

Seems like overnightWe see the world in a different lightSomehow our innocence is lostAccording to a University of Texas survey, each homeless person cost the taxpayers $14,480 per year* * Diamond, Pamela and Steven B. Schneed, Lives in the Shadows: Some of the Costs and Consequences of a "Non-System" of Care. Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, University of Texas, Austin, TX, 1991Photo SamPac

How can we look away'Cause every single dayWe've got to help at any costWe can bridge the distanceOnly we can make the differenceDon't ya know that tears are not enough1 of 8 women in homeless situations report being raped*Photo Arty Smokes* http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html

If we can pull togetherWe could change the world foreverHeaven knows that tears are not enough44% of homeless persons had paying jobs during the last month20% worked in a job lasting or expected to last at least 3 months* Photo Franco Folini* http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.html

It's up to me and youTo make the dream come trueIt's time to take our message everywhereOn a single night in January 2008, there were 664,414 sheltered & unsheltered homeless persons nationwide** 2009 HUD Homeless Assessment ReportPhoto Don Hankins

If we should try together you and IMaybe we could understand the reasons why46% of homeless report chronic health conditions related to their living situation and inability to access adequate healthcare** http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.htmlPhoto James Willamor

If we take a stand every woman, child and manWe can make it work For God's sake, lend a hand22% of those in homeless situations report being assaulted** http://writerinaredchair.blogspot.com/2009/05/300-new-homeless-people-in-austin.htmlPhotoBobTheMtnBiker’s

Our Tears Are Not EnoughDonateVolunteerDo somethingPhoto Metrix_X

Please, do somethingTurn the page to learn about Mobile Loaves & Fishes and how you can do somethingPhoto Chris A Carson

We’ve got 10,000 volunteers.We’re looking for # 10,001.A little goes a long wayPlease, do somethingWho we are: Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. What we do: Provide food, clothing, and dignity to those in need in Austin, San Antonio, New Orleans, Providence, and Nashville.$10 30 Pairs of SocksIf you can’t volunteer, will you donate?$20 Bread for 128 Sandwiches $50 Cheese for 600 Sandwiches$75 Peanut Butter for 900 Sandwiches$100 2000 Cups of CoffeeVisit us