Homelessness and poverty are a huge problem globally; but not so great as where a difference cannot be made. Many organizations are working to solve this problem around the world. Fighting to change the system and working individually with people to get out of poverty is the key factor. Joining or partnering with organizations is a first step in preventing the cause of global homelessness. There are many organizations and institutions, both for-profit and non-profit, that address homelessness in America on a local, national and global level, such as The Union Mission Ministries, Habitat for Humanity and The Foodbank. In Norfolk, Virginia, there is a shelter that physically, emotionally and spiritually meets the needs of the poor and homeless every day. It all began in 1892, when a businessman from the Cumberland Street United Methodist Church had a vision to provide for the poor and homeless. From this vision paved the way for Union Mission Ministries. In 1956, Rev. Theodore A. Bashford became director of The Union Mission. He found a shelter that was dilapidated and had lost sight of its original function. Under his guidance, debts were paid, the shelter was restored, and the ministry of caring for the needy began. The Rev. Theodore A. Bashford wanted to create the shelter in a Christian environment. Through this, the ministry has expanded to include ten individual ministries in the Hampton Roads, Virginia, community and one ministry in Romania: the Union Mission Men's Shelter, the Women and Family Shelter, the Industrial and Retail Training Center, Community Assistance, Hope Haven Children's Center. Home, Hope Haven Adult Home, Camp Hope Haven, The New Life Center, Good News Channel 5 and Project Romani...... middle of paper ......o effectively provide nutritious canned, boxed, fresh, frozen, and prepared food for more than hundreds of thousands of people each year (“Foodbank Basics”). Works Cited “Foodbank Basics”. Food Bank Basics - Food Bank of Southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Food Bank of Southeast Virginia and the Eastern Shore. Internet. March 30, 2014. “Habitat for Humanity International – World Leaders Build.” » Habitat for Humanity International -- World leaders are building. Internet. March 30, 2014. “The history of habitat”. Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity. Internet. March 30, 2014. “History.” Norfolk Union Mission Ministries. Union Mission Ministries. Internet. March 30, 2014. “Mission Statement.” Norfolk Union Mission Ministries. Union Mission Ministries. Internet. March 30, 2014. “Why Habitat for Humanity is needed.” » Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat for Humanity. Internet. February 25. 2014.