So the other day, I was walking into the MIBOR office and noticed the rose bushes at the front entrance. Do you know how many times I have walked into that office and NOT noticed the roses? Thousands. And it occurred to me that every day there are things right in front of our faces that are wonderful that we never notice....

Like the apartment building I visited yesterday. It's called Mapleton Park, and from the outside it's just another five story apartment building along Pennsylvania. But on the inside, it's the symbol of housing innovation. It houses veterans and other homeless neighbors who just needed a little help. Services are provided by the Homeless Initiative Program and the rent structure is managed by Partners in Housing. It's collaborative, effective and, most importantly, a place for lots of folks to call home.

But we need many more units if we are to really make a dent in the city's homeless population. (Did you know that homeless veterans these days are closer to age 37 than 67?) During the ribbon cutting ceremony, it was said that "No city is a great city without taking care of its neighbors" which is exactly why we need to focus on these issues--we're a great city!

So when you're driving around the city, stop and smell the roses. You might just find a thing of beauty.