I’ve been deeply distressed about the increasing numbers of people becoming homeless in our country.  Over ten percent of the homeless population currently consists of people who have never been homeless before, including many families with small children.

While much of my career has been spent focusing on social issues pertaining to poverty and strife overseas, I’ve found myself reporting on these same issues right here in America more.

Along the way I have learned a great deal.  I’ve met some of the most extraordinary people on the frontlines of trying to help make the lives of homeless people better. Door of Hope in Pasadena, California is one of the few homes that accepts fathers with their families–many shelters and homes do not allow man to live with their families.  St. John’s Shelter in Sacramento, California  is the only facility in California’s capitol that takes mothers and their children.  And the Covenant House which has facilities all over the country takes you people who have non where else to go.  These are three of many organizations that I support.  I am awed and inspired by the tireless work that they do.  Sister Margaret at the Covenant House in L.A. is my idol.

To find out how you can volunteer to help the homeless in your city, click here.

Lisa Ling is National Correspondent for iVolunteer.org.

photo credit: Adam Bouska

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