Pam Fessler

Can Federal Funds Help Social Service Groups Work Smarter?

Pam Fessler — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:51:00 +0000

When President Obama first took office in 2009, he had an idea called the Social Innovation Fund.

"We're going to use this fund to find the most promising nonprofits in America," he said when announcing the plan. "We'll examine their data and rigorously evaluate their outcomes.

'Please, No More Clothes': Okla. Asks For Monetary Donations

Pam Fessler — Sat, 25 May 2013 09:55:00 +0000

The tornado that devastated much of Moore, Okla., has drawn loads of donations from across the country: food, clothing, medical supplies, toys. Much of it is needed by the victims, but not everything.

After every disaster, relief groups usually ask for one thing: money. But writing a check or texting a donation isn't always that satisfying for those who want so desperately to help.

Advocates Struggle To Reach Growing Ranks Of Suburban Poor

Pam Fessler — Mon, 20 May 2013 07:07:00 +0000
Poverty has grown everywhere in the U.S. in recent years, but mostly in the suburbs.

Sequester Puts Some Needing Housing Aid 'Back To Square One'

Pam Fessler — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:56:00 +0000
Congress decided last week to ease the effects of the across-the-board federal spending cuts on travelers upset over airport delays. But low-income Americans who rely on government housing aid are still feeling the pain.
Housing authorities across the country have all but stopped issuing rent vouchers as they try to deal with the cuts known as sequestration.

Changes Help San Diego Homeless, But Long Road Remains Ahead

Pam Fessler — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 21:46:00 +0000
Two years ago, we reported on an ambitious campaign to end homelessness in downtown San Diego, a city with one of the largest homeless populations in the nation. The effort involved an unprecedented coalition of business leaders, community groups and government agencies.
At the time, some advocates for the homeless — after years of seeing other, failed efforts to get people off city streets — were skeptical that the campaign would amount to much.