"We can't afford to let these problems fester," said Mr. Thompson, an immigrant from Jamaica who said he overcame poverty and homelessness.

Over the years of its operation, St. Francis House has dealt with barriers that impede people in overcoming poverty and homelessness, by offering an upward framework of opportunity.

Plucky latchkey children overcome homelessness, malnutrition and a witch.

Raised along with his four brothers by his single mother, his family was able to overcome homelessness.

His own story is that he overcame drug abuse and homelessness to become pastor of Bethel Community Baptist Church in the Ninth Ward, which has a program for male substance abusers.

Each year Freedom House helps over 100 families including over 250 children overcome homelessness and move into stable permanent housing and employment.

Mr. Clinton and Mr. Gore recalled the dramatic stories represented by many of their campaign-trail acquaintances, of overcoming homelessness or dealing with catastrophic health problems.

Over the years of its operation, Najidah has dealt with barriers that impede people in overcoming homelessness, by offering an holistic, integrated case management approach.

At 13 locations in Washington, DC, House of Ruth serves women, children and families who are striving to overcome childhood trauma, domestic violence, homelessness, mental health disorders, and substance abuse.

The members of the Used had to overcome poverty, homelessness, and substance abuse, not to mention the straight-laced attitudes of their hometown of Orem, UT, to bring their screamo-tinged brand of post-hardcore to life.