November 15, 2005– The November edition of the Department of Labor & Economic Growth’s (DLEG) cable show Consumer’s Corner features the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and how it’s addressing homelessness. The release of the show, which is guest-hosted by First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern, coincides with Homeless Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19^th).

In this show, the First Gentleman interviews MSHDA Executive Director Michael DeVos and Board Chair Florise Neville-Ewell about how the state makes quality housing available to low to moderate income residents. MSHDA, in association with the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness, is also spearheading the Homeless Awareness Week effort to educate the public about homelessness and to find solutions to the problem.

This show, which is airing statewide through early December, helps dispel some of the stereotypes about the homeless. Many people assume it’s a problem facing only urban communities and single unemployed males – but it’s not. Studies show that between 35-40 percent of people facing homelessness are families and children.

“Today the average age of a homeless person in the U.S. is nine-years-old,” Mulhern said.   “This is a trend that has to stop.  That's why MSHDA is working with its community and faith-based partners on programs that will put those without shelter into safe housing.” 

For more information about Consumer’s Corner, visit http://www.dleg.state.mi.us/consumerscorner/ where you will find the show times, dates and topics. You can also watch past Consumer’s Corner shows on Super Bowl XL, Technology Tri-Corridor, and Council for Labor & Economic Growth. If Consumer’s Corner is not scheduled in your area, contact your local cable television provider.

For more information about the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, visit www.michigan.gov/mshda or about Homeless Awareness Week, visit the Michigan Coalition Against Homelessness at http://www.mihomeless.org/.

The next edition of Consumer’s Corner on “MIOSHA’s 30^th Anniversary” begins airing across the state after Dec. 12^th.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth news releases.