Hassan R El says that in spite of a recent dip, homelessness in America is as big a problem as it ever was, especially among children. And he has taken a direct action approach to do what he can to have a positive impact on the problem.

Hassan R El is responsible for creating a program that successfully took three hundred homeless men, women and children from homelessness to shelter, from shelter to jobs, from jobs to apartments with business ownership, and finally to homeownership.

"I don't judge, and I always most certainly look at issues to find the good in them. Then I creatively adjust the issue for the good of all," he says.

On any given night there are more than six hundred thousand people on the streets in the United States, according to government figures. And the direct action approach of Hassan R El's is in line with recommendations from leading homeless advocates. Empowering homeless people, they say, is what it's all about; it is the single most powerful thing that can better their lives.

As Hassan R El knows, the causes of homelessness are complex and there are no easy solutions. But the acts of a single individual like Hassan R El can make a big difference. Hassan R El believes that no matter what skills you may have, and no matter your age or resources, a single person can always make a difference.

Hassan R El recommends the direct approach, which is what he did. Anyone can volunteer at a homeless shelter by helping out with clerical work, answering the telephone, typing, filing, and doing other clerical help. And anyone can help to serve meals, clean up afterward, or sort and help to distribute clothing.

Hassan R El also says it is important to advocate for the homeless. He says people who are interested in making a difference can donate money to housing or homeless coalitions, follow local politics to track homeless-related issues in your town, and get the media involved by calling reporters with facts about the issue or write letters to the editor.

Finally, Hassan R El says it's a great idea to get involved with a street newspaper in your area. Street newspapers serve several functions. They educate the public about homelessness, give homeless people a chance to have their articles and art work published, and provide them with employment opportunities as newspaper vendors and writers.