Last week, in honor of National Hunger and Homeless Week, I wrote about lots of fantastic organizations addressing hunger and homelessness across the country.  There are a range of things these groups are doing to address these issues: providing housing, shoes, health care, job training and fielding soccer teams. Who would ever say soccer that being like David Beckham is a way to address homelessness? It’s not exactly the first thing that comes to mind. But, let me introduce you to Street Soccer USA, which organizes “soccer for social change” programs nationwide.

It also runs the Homeless USA Cup, where inner city soccer teams and social services agencies compete for the title. The winners then compete in the Homeless World Cup which begins in Australia on Thursday.

However, this is more than just soccer. The program is a catalyst for social change by helping participants find new directions in their lives to transition from homelessness to stable housing and employment. The organization says that “77% of participants in Street Soccer programs make a significant life changes such as moving off the street, or pursuing further education.”

The team is currently practicing in my town, Los Angeles, before heading to Australia in a couple of days. takepart to follow the national team or to learn more about the program.

(photo: Ctd 2005)