Asheville is experiencing a surge in homelessness. Experts blame the economy. Landlords are jacking up rents to meet their needs, forcing women with jobs and children onto the street. Meanwhile, government and institutional donations to the homeless are declining. Recently the Manna Food Bank held an emergency food drive to encourage the general public to be more generous with less. The lady on the radio today said government was one of three economic sectors that would likely give its employees healthy pay raises this coming year.