With the downturn in the economy, joblessness has increased as the government safety net has been trimmed. The result is increased homelessness.

How should we cope with the problem of homelessness? Should the government step in, or should religious groups take the lead?

In this episode, host Jeff Thielman talks with Joe Finn, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, and his colleague, Dr. Jessie Gaeta, a Physician Advocate. Joe Finn has worked on homeless issues for more than 17 years, and he is also a member of the city council in Quincy. Dr. Gaeta is on the staff at the Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and is a faculty member at the Boston University Medical Center.