Stories from the Streets
May 10th, 2008
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Dan Kerr (James Madison University) says America has a homelessness crisis. To find out why, he spoke to homeless people on the streets and in the shelters of Cleveland, Ohio, and he has recordings of those conversations to share. He’s found that the causes of homelessness lie in the lack of affordable housing and the decline in well paying industrial jobs.
Also: historian Dirk Philipsen (Virginia State University) says America is in the midst of a 30-year erosion of public policy and its victims are children, workers, homeless people, and prisoners.
The Virginia Association of Broadcasters in May honored With Good Reason with an award for "Best Documentary or Public Affairs Program" for the show 
I loved the tone of both the interviewer, who is well prepared but low key, and both interviewees, who rely on facts and scholarship to get their points across. By starting with individual stories and moving into economic policy is an effective format. The stories of the homeless people are gripping and eloquently told. Dan did a great job of emphasizing their message.