In covering the story, "With economic downturn, more families face the street," I visited People Serving People, an emergency homeless shelter in downtown Minneapolis. There, I met Steve Walker and his wife Jodi, whose family is currently living in the shelter. Their story is one of continual struggle with housing, health and employment issues. I was also given a tour of the shelter, which included two daycare centers full of children who consider PSP their home.

I was surprised to see the number of children and families who were homeless, and learned from experts that thier numbers are rising in homeless statistics. Certainly, they are not the only ones experiencing homelessness. With the current condition of the economy we are all potentially struggling: families, children, single adults, and yes, even students. However, I chose to focus my story on families. It was a humbling experience.

For those of you interested in learning more about homelessness in the city, visit Heading Home Hennepin, the site for the city's project to end homelessness in 10 years.

If you are interested in volunteering at PSP, you may visit their home page here.

An event coming up soon, called Project Homeless Connect, will take place at the Convention Center downtown.

Last year, about 1,300 volunteers helped about 3,000 people connect to housing services, dental care, employment and more. For more information, visit their site here.