Up to Date Archive
Enjoy the extended list of Citygate Network stories
HUD Symposium a ‘Go’ in San Antonio
Join other missions and ministries in the Rawhide District for this important and timely discussion with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at the 2022 Annual Conference and Exposition.
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Will Billionaire Tax Stimulate Giving?
Americans with wealth totaling over $100 million would be subject to at least a 20 percent tax rate if the administration’s “billionaire tax” proposal goes through. If it passes, it could have a positive effect on charitable giving.
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Christian Camps Looking for Summer Help Too
Working at a Christian summer camp can be a life-changing experience, but nonprofits have found it particularly difficult to compete.
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Youth Continue Battle with Mental Health Issues
The CDC released new data to assess the well-being of U.S. youth during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Gearing Up at the Border
What steps have you taken to communicate with and serve higher numbers of Spanish-speaking migrants coming across the southern border?
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Pilot Programs Making Cash Payments
At least three Massachusetts nonprofits have recently launched pilot programs to test the theory that the combination of confidence and cash from these programs can help people move toward economic stability.
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Hope in the Gate: Testimonies of Change
Take a moment to enjoy the testimony of Citygate Network member CEOs as they share how the "Hope in the Gate" experience has impacted them and the clients in their programs.
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A Fresh Take on Jesus for Skeptics
A significant new media campaign designed to create cultural change in the way people think about Jesus and His relevance in our lives is making a difference in people's lives.
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April is Alcohol Awareness Month
With millions of Americans suffering with and succumbing to alcohol addiction, here are a few ways you can bring attention to this debilitating illness.
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Nonprofit Turns Two Wrongs into a Right
Nonprofit The Farmlink Project matches farmers with surplus produce with those in need
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The Devastating Results of Misguided Compassion
The lives of far too many people are being destroyed by policymakers with something I call “misguided compassion.”
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Members Invited to Regroup on COVID-19 Matters
With the omicron variant of COVID-19 spiking, Citygate Network is encouraging our members to review CDC guidance and attend a member's only webinar to ask questions about current and future pandemic concerns.
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DC Forum Registration Open
Our highly anticipated DC Forum is now open for registration!
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Swords into Plowshares
A Colorado Springs nonprofit has a unique program that converts guns into garden tools.
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Support Faith-Based Childcare Services
The Institutional Religious Freedom Alliance (IRFA) is circulating a letter for Congress, stating that while the expanded investment in childcare and early education in the Build Back Better Act is encouraging, unnecessarily marginalizes faith-based providers of these important services.
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Courts Hold Pharmacies Accountable
The 12-member jury sent a warning message that these cases won’t necessarily play out well in court
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Major Case Still “Up in the Air”
In Washington State, there’s a law that requires houses of worship and other religious nonprofits to employ even those who contradict the beliefs the nonprofits were created to foster.
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Expanding the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD)
In a letter to Congress, Citygate Network along with other non-profit organizations are urging that they be enabled to continue to fulfill their missions through making permanent the UCD.
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A Thanksgiving Table for Everyone
Many missions and ministries are helping move people from destitute circumstances and desperate situations this year, gathering around tables all across North America.
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Don’t Miss Out on Hiring Veterans
Men and women who served in uniform don’t always get the callbacks and interviews because the applicant tracking systems used in most HR departments don’t pick up on terminology used in military resumes.
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New Food Challenges
Food banks are experiencing empty shelves for many reasons, and many are facing a new crisis in putting food on the table.
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Veterans Day; The Untold Story of Returning
Why are 50,000 veterans homeless each night—and how can rescue missions and ministries help?
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Shifting The Dynamic Of Ministry
Instigate November/December 2021
While the motive for loving our neighbors might be a genuine, God-given desire to be like Christ, if we’re not careful, hidden sins of our hearts can turn what we intend for good into an opportunity for harm.
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National Homeless Youth Awareness Month
American youth are sometimes overlooked in the discussions of homelessness. While not just losing their community, friends, or shelter, many deal with significant levels of trauma.
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Leadership Development in Rescue Missions and Ministries: A Podcast
John Ashmen, CEO of Citygate Network, representing 300 rescue missions across North America, recently outlines some of the critical leadership issues that missions and ministries face as their organizations focus on life transformation.
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More Services for People Who Are Hungry
The IRS reported during the first 10 months of 2020, the number of nonprofits created per month rose.
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Suicide Prevention Nonprofit Aims Younger
Doctoral candidate changes focus from middle and high school students to elementary school students in response to suicide-prevention curriculum.
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Federal Resource Links for Members
Josh Dickson has provided these links and resources for our members to take advantage of.
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Are We Changing How We “Do Church?”
Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research surveyed over 1,000 churchgoing Christians and released a study revealing some interesting observations about the differences between attending church in person and watching it online.
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Overdose Trends Continue to Escalate
In 2020, more fatal drug overdoses occurred than ever before in history, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of individuals.
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COVID-19 Member Call
We've scheduled a member-wide call with the CDC to address questions regarding vaccinations and boosters for Thursday, October 14, at 12:00 p.m. (noon) Mountain Time.
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Hidden Trace Retreat No. 1
Rescue mission ministry, Christian camping, and gospel music—this compelling and rare combination is at work in our first "Hope in the Gate" video.
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Temporary Eviction Ban Struck Down by Supreme Court
The CDC eviction ban was struck down, but there is still assistance available.
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The Best-Laid Plans
Instigate September/October 2021
It happens more frequently than organizations may realize. After decades of stable ministry leadership, established funding, and exponential transformation of individuals for the Kingdom, a new executive takes the helm.
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Citygate Network Member Dealing with Hurricane Ida Aftermath
David Bottner, the CEO at New Orleans Mission, let us know that Hurricane Ida did a number on the city.
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It's #NationalSecondhandWardrobeDay!
Freshen up your closet and decrease excess clothing by celebrating National Secondhand Wardrobe Day on August 25!
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SBA Simplifies PPP Process
The US Small Business Administration has created a portal to streamline forgiveness processing for PPP Borrowers.
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CDC Clarifies Guidance and Makes Request of Citygate Network
Dr. Emily Mosites, epidemiologist overseeing the homeless population at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contacted us to comment on the CDC’s recent mask guidelines for the general public.
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The Rental Assistance Finder from CFPB
Josh Dickson, deputy director of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, asked Citygate Network to spread the word about a new resource from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
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Urgent Action Needed August 2, 2021 to Protect Donor-Advised Funds
A new bill coming to the floor of the U.S. Senate could change how DAFs are handled in the future. The Accelerating Charitable Efforts (ACE) Act (S. 1981) would impose new federal restrictions and taxes on contributions to DAFs.
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The Bronze Scar
John Ashmen was asked to review The Bronze Scar before its release. John shares how this book will benefit Citygate Network members, many of whom regularly minister to people who struggle every day with homelessness and mental issues.
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CTC Eligibility Assistant Now Available in Spanish
Help your Spanish-speaking clients gain the government aid they need with this new tool from the Internal Revenue Service.
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Racial Profiling Exposed in Home Valuations
An unfair home valuation was identified when a female black homeowner received a low valuation when she was present but received a double valuation when a white male friend stood in as the homeowner.
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Tiny Homes, Big Hope
Instigate July/August 2021
Inside each tiny home, residents sleep on a comfortable bed and enjoy temperature controls, the ability to charge their phones, onsite meals, hygiene care, and social services.
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Updated Coronavirus Recommendations for Unsheltered People
Included in this article are updates from the CDC relating to helping unsheltered people during COVID-19 pandemic.
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Helping Our Homeless Neighbors During Extreme Heat
Extreme heat kills more Americans than any other weather event, but not everyone’s risk is the same. The U.S. and Canada have been dealing with extreme heat warnings in recent days and it doesn't seem to be letting up soon.
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The End of the Eviction Moratorium Is Right Around the Corner
It is difficult to quantify precisely how many people might face eviction once the ruling lifts. Still, in a recent survey, more than 53,000 households reported they were not up to date on rent or mortgage payments.
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Homeless Students Among Most Impacted During Pandemic
The House Education & Labor Committee recently heard testimony from several experts confirming that homeless students’ academic and social challenges during the pandemic only escalated by isolation resulting from school closures.
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More Than a Quarter of Americans Worry About Being on the Street
A phone poll reveals the homelessness worries of those interviewed.
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Charitable Contribution Legislation Must Continue
U.S. charitable giving increased 10.6 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. The ECFA is suggesting that one cause for the particularly strong year-end donations might be the Universal Charitable Deduction (UCD).
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Signs of the Times
Instigate Cover Article May-Jun 2021
If we are genuinely interested in serving the disadvantaged and vulnerable, we must recognize changing times, changing landscapes, and changing ecosystems. When we do this, we can identify wise ways of responding. This will allow us to take the best course and, as a result, our ministries will thrive.
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John Ashmen Interviewed for Brewer Direct Webinar
John brought the thought leadership Citygate Network is known for in this webinar interview posted by Brewer Direct, Inc.
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Overdoses on the Rise; Stimulus Checks May Be the Culprit
As substance abuse surges in the U.S., several officials see a trend between overdose cases and stimulus payments
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Citygate Network Helping with Immigrant Children
Citygate Network mission and ministry members are being invited to help unaccompanied minors at our southern borders.
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Good Friday Ideas to Help the Homeless
Not sure what to do when you want to help? Assemble and give away simple Care Kits.
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New Guidelines Released for Vaccinated Populations
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced their new standards for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and the implications for congregate settings.
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More Money for Those Working Through Your Programs
Review these important links to help people going through your programs toward securing better housing, dependable transportation, quality childcare, and higher education.
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New Faith Connections at the White House
A recent executive order re-establishes the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
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Recognizing Our Leading Ladies
Instigate Cover Article Mar-Apr 2021
An interview discussing the stories of our “leading ladies” and the advantages of having women CEOs leading ministries of compassion.
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Arctic Cold Endangering Homeless in North America
The front currently affecting much of the United States and Canada has toppled numerous longstanding cold records, including some that date back more than 100 years.
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Restoring Dignified Dining Experiences to Guests During the Pandemic
What happens when your new dining area is suddenly not to be used due to the Coronavirus pandemic restrictions?
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Congress Predominantly Identifies as Christian
The religious composition of the 117th Congress looks similar to the previous congress but is quite different from Americans overall.
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New Law Requires Grocery Stores to Donate Expiring Food
A new law will require large supermarkets to donate excess food nearing the sell-by-date to non-profits or religious organizations that provide free food to their communities.
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COVID-19 Vaccination and Sub-Prioritization among Recommended Populations
The following information was provided by the USICH via an email sent on January 7, 2021.
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Sheltersuits: The Next Wave of Weatherproof Wear for “Rough Sleepers”
A chance meeting with a homeless woman in 2014 inspired a Dutch designer to create a wearable shelter for people experiencing homelessness.
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The “Big Six” Protocols
Important recommendations to maintain safe "Coronavirus-free bubbles" within your mission or ministry from the USICH
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Vaccinations Have Begun
The COVID-19 vaccine is in the process of being released. Learn more about how this will affect your mission.
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Federal Program Acknowledges Citygate Network for Important Role in Saving Lives
Extra Mile Recognitions are awarded to local, state, and federal stakeholders who have made extraordinary efforts to support USICH’s mission and improve Americans’ homelessness outcomes
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Mission Chef Job Training Program Pays it Forward
Ric Watson began working as a dishwasher as a teenager, battling addiction, and living on the street, when someone gave him a chance.
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From Homelessness to the House of Representatives
You never know how someone you minister to might be able to rise up and serve because of your investment in their life.
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2020 Thanksgiving Greeting
After a year of struggle, it's time to give thanks.
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Citygate Network 2020 Election Results
After holding district elections for Bluegrass, Deep South, and Great Lakes, we are pleased to announce new officers.
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Webinar Explores Faith in Mental Illness Recovery
The Partnership Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives continues its webinar series on mental health.
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Vancouver Explores Cash Payments to Homeless Adults
The study results were “beautifully surprising” and could defy assumptions that homeless people cannot be trusted to manage money.
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CDC Guidance Regarding Ventilation in Homeless Shelters
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently provided updated guidance for homeless service providers as we continue to combat COVID-19.
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Serving in Unsettling Times
This article is not simply an alarmist outlook, but rather a realistic perspective on ministry in a time of instability. Allow it to set the stage for important theoretical discussions with your staff and board.
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Teaching Children to Stand Up Against Racism
In the wake of the national reckoning on race, "Sesame Street" is teaching children to stand up against racism.
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Numbers of Homeless Elderly Expected to Increase
Experts are projecting that in the next 10 years, the number of elderly people experiencing homelessness could nearly triple, as a wave of late baby boomers ages.
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Directory of COVID-19 Supplemental Resources
Get help navigating the federal programs funded by the COVID-19 supplemental appropriations.
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USICH Releases Plan to Address U.S. Homelessness
In the past five years, unsheltered homelessness has increased by 20.5 percent. In the same timeframe, the number of year-round beds available has risen 42.7 percent. Despite the "housing-first" mindset, people are still homeless. Discover the USICH plan released on October 19, 2020, here.
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Tips to Protect Yourself from Wildfire Smoke
The CDC, EPA, and other organizations are ready to help you survive during this current crisis. Below are helpful links to equip you as you care for your homeless neighbors.
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Numbers Count
The goal for data isn’t to reduce transformational work into numbers; the goal is to provide waypoints to inform ministry, influence policy, gain public trust, and attract partners.
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2020 Wildfires Threaten California Members
Currently, a number of Citygate Network member ministries are under the threat of active fires. Please pray as our brothers and sisters, already tired becasue of COVID-19 pandemic related issues.
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USICH Important Update - Seasonal Flu and COVID-19
As we approach the 2020-21 flu season, particular attention needs to be paid to the need for the seasonal flu vaccine, when medically appropriate, and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19). It is very important that the local plans be in place to appropriately address the seasonal flu within the community of homelessness and reduce the compounding effects of the seasonal flu and COVID-19.
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COVID-19 Resources to Support Accurate Translation
As the pandemic rages on, language is more important than ever. Non-English-speaking members of the community must be informed about public health guidelines.
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Dawn of a New Kind of Ministry
When COVID-19 became a global pandemic in February, no one could have predicted that one short month later the entire global and national economy and way of human movement would nearly cease overnight.
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New Mental Health Resource Guide From HHS
The Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has just released a new resource: Compassion in Action: A Guide for Faith Communities Serving People Experiencing Mental Illness and their Caregivers.
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Hope in the Darkness
Instigate Cover Article May-Jun 2020
Since its very beginning, the Church at large has been a key player in social justice movements to serve and comfort the “least of these.” But I’ve often wondered why we’ve never seen a movement within the Church that’s focused on mental illness.
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A Measure of Success
Instigate Cover Article Jan/Feb 2020
Great leaders don’t embark on the outcomes journey primarily to satisfy reporting requirements or to win the next grant. They know outcomes are the gateway to fulfilling the mission that compelled them into the difficult but rewarding work that God called them to.
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Marbut Tapped to Head U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness
I had breakfast this morning with our friend, Robert Marbut, tapped a week ago by President Trump to head the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, and confirmed late yesterday afternoon. We laughed about me being his first "official" appointment. (His next meeting was at the White House.)
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In The Shadows
Instigate Cover Article Nov/Dec 2019
We cannot end youth homelessness without stopping the flow into homelessness. It is clear that our efforts need to shift from a prolonged crisis response to ensuring that each young person’s experience of homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring.
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Wildfires Threaten California Members
Currently a number of Citygate Network member ministries are under the threat of active fires ablaze in California. Please pray as our brothers and sisters hear forecasts for Santa Ana winds kicking up gusts as high as 80 mph to fuel the fires.
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Illness And Homelessness
Instigate Cover Article Sept/Oct 2019
What’s clear is that being homeless increases the count and advancement of chronic conditions such as diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS, heart disease, and cancer; and those chronic conditions lead to far more deaths than do infectious diseases.
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Fighting Opioid Addiction by Tackling Loneliness
Social isolation isn't just bad for your mood, it can be bad for your health too. Rachel Wurzman, a neuroscientist, says it also contributes to opioid addiction - fueling drug use, relapses, and overdoses.
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Homelessness Decreases in U.S.
More than 550,000 people in the United States are homeless — a solid .17 percent of the entire population. However, the homeless situation was worse 10 years ago.
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Study Finds Child Opioid Overdoses Doubled in 10 Years
A new study following some 1,500 patients found that the number of children admitted to hospitals in the U.S. because of opioid overdose nearly doubled between 2004 and 2015.
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One in Seven New York City Elementary Students Will Be Homeless
Some 100,000 students who attend New York City public schools were homeless during the 2015-2016 school year. That's a number equal to the total population of Albany, New York.
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Study Shows Donor Giving Preferences Are Shifting
A new study released by Community Brands looks at donor experience and expectations, with an aim to help nonprofits assess what their own donors experience and pinpoint where there's room for improvement.
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