Winter Forecast: Homelessness

If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help?
James 2:15-16

Jesus was homeless,
And so were Peter and Paul.
How can the churches, then, lock their doors
On the least among us all?
Matthew
(A homeless artist and member of Common Cathedral)

          I met Matthew (above) at a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner put on by our member, Linda McCusker, at the homeless shelter at the college Avenue Methodist Church in Somerville where she works. Though Matthew was enjoying a great meal and companionship that day, his words reflect the lack of response he experiences from many churches, and they continue to echo for me as the reports of homelessness increase. Linda's shelter provides eight beds and continuous stays for single men and women as they work toward independent living. But there aren't nearly enough programs like hers, and the gap is growing as funding is cut back.

          Meanwhile, in a recent column by the commander of the Massachusetts Salvation Army, it's reported that there are more than 22,000 homeless in the state and 2,000 homeless families in Boston; 5,200 adults in Boston have no place to call home each night; and women with children are the fastest-growing part of the homeless population (40% of the total). As unemployment increases, and other parts of the social safety net weaken, the problem will only worsen.

          I'm not sure why I'm writing this. It isn't as though many of us see homeless folks on the streets of our communities. It just seems too important to ignore, whether as a concern for prayer or for action. Always, prayer is important. Second, maybe ways to express our concerns to our legislators and fellow citizens need to be explored. Third, maybe we can find ways to support programs like Linda's. Fourth, homelessness may not be that far removed from us, especially as the year unfolds: it was in another economic "down time", the very early '80s, when a Burlington policemen found a mother and several children living in their car - the churches' response was the beginning of People Helping People.

          Meanwhile, let us keep our own loved ones close, and be grateful for the shelter and warmth we are so fortunate to have.

Peace,

Rod