Conversations with the Homeless Czar
On any given night in the United States, 750,000 people are homeless. President Bush’s 2008 budget proposal includes more than $4 billion for homeless services. Governments, non-profits and churches have all been putting record money into programs, but homelessness keeps rising. It’s a problem that vexes Philip Mangano, the executive director of the Interagency Council on Homelessness. The so-called “U-S Homeless Czar” was in Birmingham recently and talked with WBHM’s Tanya Ott.
Mangano discusses Birmingham’s efforts and what this city can learn from another city that’s decreased homelessness by 70% in an extended interview.
A movie inspired Mangano to dedicate his life to the homeless. Hear more in this excerpt from Tapestry.
Every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday night in Birmingham churches feed the homeless in downtown. Click here to see a YouTube video.
A new Statehouse and related projects will cost about $400 million
The Alabama Legislative Council, a 20-member panel comprised of legislative leaders and their appointees, approved the construction of the new Statehouse last year. The panel was given an update on the project on Wednesday.
New pilot program will offer housing, resources to people leaving prison
The Birmingham Reentry Alliance will provide wrap around services to dozens of men and women adjusting to life after prison.
Alabama committee advances ban on LGBTQ+ pride flags in classrooms
The Senate Education Policy Committee voted 5-2 for the House-passed bill, putting the proposal in line for a possible final passage in the last four days of the legislative session.
A New Orleans garden paid hundreds of dollars in fees for a sewer that doesn’t exist
Galvez Garden owner Lissie Stewart has been fighting the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board over inaccurate billing for years.
Alabama coal mine keeps digging after hundreds of fines and a fatal explosion
Following the death of a grandfather, Crimson Oak Grove Resources has left a community afraid for their homes and lives. An expert warns one resident may need to evacuate her home while she still can.
Florida’s 6-week abortion ban will have a ‘snowball effect’ on residents across the South
Abortion rights advocates say the ban will likely force many to travel farther for abortion care and endure pregnancy and childbirth against their will.
