Ben Carson discusses homelessness issue during convention in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson came to Milwaukee to speak at the annual Convention of Gospel Rescue Missions.

He toured the Guest House, a homeless shelter just west of downtown Milwaukee.

He also held a discussion with local officials about the importance of partnering with private groups to address homelessness.

Carson says the opioid crisis is making the issue worse.

He also says getting people back to work is a top priority.

"There are more jobs right now than there are people looking for jobs right now. So what that means is we have to get more people looking for jobs, we're working on that too," said Carson.

Last week, Carson unveiled 17 envision centers that will provide support to people on government housing assistance. Milwaukee was not on that list at first but Carson says that's going to change.