The Tennessean addressed the issue of homelessness downtown today in today’s issue. Local blogger Kevin Barbieux responded with some words of wisdom:

“[T]hankfully, we all are quickly re-learning that harassing the homeless, shooing them away, or trying to sweep them under the proverbial rug, just doesn’t get the results we want…

Hopefully, everyone will quickly get to the point of admitting that the best thing for everyone, the only true workable solution, is to give the services to the homeless that will actually lead to them getting off the streets and on to better lives.

The Rescue Mission has been on operation for more than 50 years, the Campus For Human Development for 20 years, and yet have we seen any real change in the homeless plight by these organizations? A new approach is needed, such as could become reality if the Nashville Homelessness Commission would actually achieve it’s goals. The best hope for all concerned lies with the Commission. If somebody would light a fire under their collective rear-ends, we’d see some real and positive changes taking place.”

I’m familiar with both the Mission and the Campus, and I think they do meaningful and important work. Kevin has a good point, though: There is still a sizable homeless population in Nashville that needs help despite all of this good work. My question to him and in general is what are these “real and positive changes” that are needed? Affordable housing often comes up quickly in discussions about the homeless, but what would that look like specifically? What specifics might help the problem that aren’t currently in place?

The quote of the day, in my opinion, comes from guitar manufacturer George Gruhn, who is quoted in the Tennessean story: “When someone’s sleeping at my back door and defecating there, do I like it? No.” I’d have to agree with that.

In honor of World AIDS Day (December 1), someone created the wedding gown pictured above by stitching together 12,500 condoms. I’m glad my wife opted for something more traditional, but this is a very creative method for raising awareness of AIDS and its impact.

Here’s a less dramatic means of raising awareness, sharing facts from the World AIDS Day web site:

Around forty million people are living with HIV throughout the world - and that number increases in every region every day. In the UK alone, more than 60,000 people are living with HIV and more than 7,000 more are diagnosed every year. Ignorance and prejudice are fuelling the spread of a preventable disease.

World AIDS Day, 1 December is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV and AIDS. This year, it’s up to you, me and us to stop the spread of HIV and end prejudice.

Wikipedia has more information about the history of World AIDS Day, and the WAD site has ideas if you want to take action against AIDS.