Homeless people need more than a nourishing meal and a safe
place to spend the night. More than ever, they need programs and
services that will equip them to be successful in today's job
market. Valuable training for employment that affords
advancement and builds work skills and behaviors helps break the
cycle of hunger for men and women's lives today, and more
importantly, for children's lives tomorrow. The link between
unemployment and homelessness cannot be overlooked. Dr. Roger
Nooe, a professor at the University of Tennessee's College of
Social Work, has conducted biannual studies of homelessness in
the Knoxville area for nearly two decades. In his 2008 study,
Dr. Nooe stated, "The Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness
calls for increased economic opportunities for homeless persons.
Achieving maximum economic self sufficiency will involve
developing appropriate training programs, supportive employment,
and establishing income management and financial guardianship
programs where applicable. Lack of em