Entries by Joe Herzberg

“Good Night, and Good Luck” – A Lesson in Advocacy Journalism with the Unrest in Los Angeles and Beyond

Unfolding before our eyes this week is the news coverage of the protests in Los Angeles, with some protestors peaceful, and others prone to causing damage and becoming more like rioters or anarchists, which is my interpretation of the facts. Political agendas are playing out, pitting the California governor and the US President, in conflict […]

“Pentecost – Let’s Go!”

“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”  Matthew 28: 16-20 Remember what Saint (Mother Teresa) of Calcutta embraced as her mantra, recalling some of the final words […]

Mental Health and Substance Abuse- A Major Impediment to Resolving Homelessness

My work with The Salvation Army has brought me to a more thorough understanding of the issues and solutions in helping those struggling with housing instability, leading to homelessness.  One key factor has stood out as an obstacle to stability, which is the vicious and unrelenting pain of having anxiety, depression, and severe types of psychosis, as well as alcohol or other forms of substance abuse.  While challenging enough, when these problems involve children in families on the edge of instability, the work to resolve becomes even more intense, as I learned from a recent meeting with our local DFACS team in Augusta.

The Challenges to Resolving Homelessness

Several months ago, as the Augusta Salvation Army HR Manager, I was given permission to spend more time assisting at The Salvation Army homeless shelter, which is called the Center of Hope. I wanted to meet some of the people whom we serve, and understand their circumstances better, how we case manage them, and observing […]