Solving the problem of homelessness is complicated, Jim. Homeless people are individuals, and have individual needs. Many simply can't live in a large dormitory. Some need treatment for mental health issues or addictions. Some just don't know how to live in a rental house, and need some sort of preparation to be responsible renters. Some need institutional care. We just can't build a one-size-fits-all facility and think we've fulfilled our obligation. It takes dedication, hard work, compassion, and good ideas. And then somehow, you have to keep the people in nearby heighborhoods happy - that's the toughest part.

I've been working with others since about 2012 to establish on a homeless shelter for our community. We opened it in 2015 with a capacity of 47, and we were allowed to keep it open from 5 PM to 7 AM. We now have room for 100 people, and they can stay round-the-clock. We have developed programs for treatment of drug and alcohol addiction, and the county provides mental health treatment. We have a class on how to be a responsible renter, and we have a program that places residents in permanent housing. We also offer some job training, but not as much as we'd like. The town has a homeless population of about 250, so a 100-person shelter doesn't fill the need completely.

It has been an interesting challenge, and I've enjoyed it.

-Joe-