UNDERSTANDING THE HOMELESS

Many people when thinking of a homeless person see the image of a grizzled old man who has had a drinking problem. At one time, that picture was more often than not a correct one. Yet, more and more the homeless look just like the rest of us.

The homeless people we house sometimes have college and graduate degrees; and sometimes they cannot read past the first grade level. Some are mentally ill, addicted to drugs or alcohol addicted; and others are dedicated Christians who have never used any addictive drug. Many have worked in highly skilled professional jobs; and others have not worked in as long as they can remember. Many are veterans with distinguished service records; others have been disqualified from the military for a variety of reasons.

Many of the new residents we will be getting in the coming months have never been homeless before they come to us. As you read this, they have homes and families. Like so many in our community, they are just one crisis away from staying with us. They may be sharing housing with friends who send them away. They may be working from paycheck to paycheck with no reserves for job or medical emergencies. They may be mothers who are just now getting up their courage to take the kids and leave their abusive husbands.

While definitive demographics are not available since those who are homeless often do not want to be counted, the picture of the homeless nationwide looks similar to this:
HOW CAN YOU HELP?

1. Show them kindness and respect
Your smile can be a break in the isolation and hopelessness that many of them live with every day. Treating the homeless with courtesy can give them the energy to begin to lift themselves out of a bad situation. It tells them they are not invisible!

2. Don't give money
Money won't solve their problem. It can be used to buy drugs or alcohol. It may help them to avoid facing the root causes of their problems for just one day more. Instead, give them certificates to restaurants. Or better yet, direct them to our Mission or another shelter where they can get help to begin the journey out of hopelessness.

3. Pray for them
God loves every homeless person regardless of how they may look or act. He expects us to love them, too. Pray for those you meet. You may even pray with them; but remember some of the homeless are fearful, angry and paranoid so always respond to them with your own safety needs in mind.

4. Teach others to care
Help others, especially young people, to understand and to care about those who are homeless. Whether at home, work or church, the Lord may be calling you to tell others what you "have had ears to hear and eyes to see."

5. Volunteer your time and talents
The Mission uses a wide variety of volunteers. Some lead worship, others teach Bible studies, many serve meals, paint our facilities, and serve in many other ways. Get involved and bring your family and friends with you!

6. Donate household items
Currently due to a lack of adequate space we are unable to receive a lot of donated household items however there is a great alternative whereby your donation can directly support the mission. Seventy percent of the sales will go to supporting our residents. Click here to learn more about Project12Baskets.

7. Contribute financially
In a typical year, 40% of our income comes from donations from people like you. Some people give $2.00 a week, some give $25.00 a month, while others make one large gift each year. However you are led to participate, please know that we are very grateful for any gift and we will be good stewards of it.

"He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. 'Is that not what it means to know me?' declares the Lord. " ~Jeremiah 22:16~