By Ayanna Heaven, YR Atlanta

I have always had a soft spot for the homeless. So when a homeless man recently approached me asking for food, I felt a little bad when I answered "sorry, no.” I continued listening to my iPod, watching him from the corner of my eye. And when he came walking back in my direction, I decided to ask him about his story and how he ended up on the streets.

He explained that a hip replacement took him off course financially. I was inspired by his optimism, especially when he told me that even though his stomach was hungry, his spirit was full with faith and he knew that would get through this difficult time in his life.

I felt privileged to talk to him and learn about him, and I’m pretty sure he enjoyed talking to me too. In fact he told me he had goose bumps from just talking to me, which made me think he probably doesn’t have many opportunities to speak to people on a regular basis.

The next day, I returned to the same spot and surprised the man with two public transportation tickets and some food, along with an address of a homeless shelter I knew could help him out. I know many people assume that the homeless are lazy drug addicts, but if more people could take the time to really interact with homeless people, they may find something different.

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After I graduate from high school this December I have a choice: either move out of my parents home and live with friends or just stay put in my childhood bedroom. Being an independent person I'd like to move out, but because of money and some experiences I've had living with strangers it seems like it's going to take a lot longer than I'd hoped. This is a real setback and slightly frustrating.

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On Forum, guests discuss the state of foreclosures in California and pending legislation in Sacramento. With foreclosures on the rise in California, the number of loan "rescue" scams is increasing throughout the state. Desperate homeowners trying to stay in their homes are increasingly being ripped off by companies promising - and then failing to provide - loan modification help. YMI's Denise Tejada reports on mayors discussing foreclosure solutions. Mayors from New York City, Los Angeles, and St. Louis praise one strategy that has been helping people stay in their homes in Philadelphia. Read more...

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U.S. mayors held a conference call today to “discuss innovative local solutions to the foreclosure crisis.” Mayors from Miami, Philadelphia, New York City, Los Angeles, St. Louis, and the city administrator from Oakland, CA were all on the call.

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Going to school and getting a lot of information for free is the best thing ever (it's up there with having a lot of money). This is my last year in school, yes, I'm finally a senior, and I'm going to be free at last. I will be free from waking up extra early to get on BART to be on time for school. But the hard part about being a senior is that you have a senior project to do - 20 written pages, three interviews, and a 15 to 20 minute presentation. Read more...

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For many immigrants, this financial crisis is the enemy of accomplishing the American Dream. My family’s story is a little bit different than other immigrants struggling to make ends meet. We’ve been in America 13 years, and we’re in a more comfortable position than most. But there is one thing we have in common with newer immigrants. The land of opportunity has suddenly become workaholic-landia. Read more...

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I live in East Oakland, just a few blocks from a subsidized housing project.I’m Kelly Chau, with a commentary from Youth Radio.If Proposition 6 passes, that means government agencies will be required to perform annual background checks on everyone who lives in that project down the street from me. On top of that, the proposition will make it easier to try juveniles as adults for gang-related offenses. Read more...

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