Bon Jovi Rocks For The Homeless

The band Bon Jovi have been touring for the last 25 years all over the world. But this time it's different, because over the last 6 years John Bon Jovi the bands leader has been working with his foundation called "The John Bon Jovi Soul Foundation" out of Philadelphia that fights homelessness.

This years tour will be different because he is on a research mission, a mission to go to as many shelters as time will permit and learn as much as possible about this issue and how to combat it.

Bon Jovi's new tour is taking him into venues that he doesn't usually visit on the road. Such as a shelter for hardcore alcoholics in Seattle. Or a tour of Skid Row in Los Angles. And maybe a squatters village in Sacramento. All this to learn as much as he can and how his foundation can help.

Before he kicked off his tour with two shows at Seattle's KeyArena in February, Bon Jovi toured one of the cities most recognized homeless programs, a building run by the Downtown Emergency Service Center that provides homeless alcoholics, many of whom have serious mental illness a place to live.

It is said that the program saves the taxpayers more than $4 million a year in social service and jail costs and creates a safe haven where residents are more likely to get sober. This is according to a study by the Journal of the American Medical Association last year.

Among other stops, will be a visit to Skid Row in Los Angles early next month. He will be touring with Steve Lopez who wrote "The Soloist" which became a movie about a homeless schizophrenic but wildly talented cellist. Lopez feels that this tour of Skid Row will be an eye-opener and give Bon Jovi a real sense of just how many people are suffering in this economy, and just how many people are dealing with a combination of financial, physical and mental health issues. And the sad part is many of them are veterans.

The singer didn't specify which aspects of the programs he might incorporate in his future work at his foundation, but did say that various problems of homelessness require different solutions. And you can be sure that the 47 year old rocker will continue with those solutions to try an combat this issue with the help of others for many, many years to come.

The John Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, was founded in October of 2006. It is a non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing change and help to those in need ONE SOUL AT A TIME.

The foundation started it's work through the localized efforts of the Philadelphia Soul arena football team, of which John Bon Jovi is part owner. The foundation has quickly expanded it's work to have a national presence to help rebuild the less fortunate' s lives as much as possible. And to become a role model in the communities.

The JBJ Foundation with the help of many have continued to fight homelessness with the building of affordable housing, establishing community kitchens and cleaning up vacant lots in blighted neighborhoods. The Foundation since 2006 has built more than 150 units of affordable housing in seven cities.

If you are thinking of getting involved or wanted to contribute to a charity I would highly recommend visiting the JBJ Foundation web-site and clicking on the donate button. Or volunteer or donate in your own community. The idea here is to just get involved and help combat this issue. Due to economic times now more than ever people need our help. Be a voice like Bon Jovi, you too can help make a difference.

I hope you read my other stories on the homeless:

Dumping The Homeless

Update To Dumping The Homeless

Homeless Help In Vancouver