“I think the main problem is that people want to displace responsibility on the issue. It needs to be a topic of discussion in the community, and multiple parties need to combine their efforts to help.”

— Spencer Walsh, Kansas University sophomore, Kansas City, Kan.

“I think there needs to be a community-based effort to provide affordable housing and especially a living wage, because many of the homeless are the working poor. We have an Interfaith Hospitality Network that brings community resources together.”

— JoBeth Allen, professor, Atlanta

“I think it's up to the community, churches and the government to provide an environment for families to get back on their feet. One with mental, emotional and some monetary support to restore hope. But ultimately I think it's up to the families themselves.”

— Kevin Walter, meteorologist, Overland Park

“Through government programs. The government needs to be taking care of its people. That's what it's there for.”

— Shelbie Nelson, retail assistant manager, Copper Mountain, Colo.