What
do we do with the homeless?
“Put
them on an island.”
“No one can solve this problem.”
“Any regulation of stolen goods being brought in? Bikes? Chainsaws? Or will it just
be better storage for the thieves?”
“Mental health with addiction is one thing.
Addiction due to injury is another thing. Addiction due to horrible upbringing is
another thing. The cost and support
should be provided for and treated accordingly.”
“This type of housing isn’t working in other towns.”
“Why not let them have a piece of land so they can pitch a tent and charge them
rent.”
“Addicts just trash the parks, how will housing be any different?”
“Can’t believe people are so upset that they are giving them a shelter. They will continue using drugs but everyone
deserves a shelter.”[1]
Wow
– a variety of opinions from small town residents whose city council is
considering a housing project for their homeless population!
My
response? What DO I think, I asked myself?
Do street people have to prove they are worthy of a housing unit? Must they accept help/treatment/therapy as a
condition to live there? How much help
do they need? Do we have the resources
to help all of them? Do they deserve
housing, or are we being merciful? Will
mercy be “successful”? As you see, I’m
rather unsure what is best for homeless people.
In fact, when I read this thread of comments my emotions varied from
indignant (You CAN’T put them on an island!) to righteous (It never works!) to being
chastised (Of course, everyone deserves shelter! What was I thinking?!)
How
would Jesus respond?
“Love
your neighbour as yourself,” he told his disciples. (Matt 19:19, 22:39)
“Who is my neighbour?” the people asked.
Jesus replied with the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). On a lonely stretch of highway, a man was
robbed, beaten, and left to die. Soon,
two respectable men of the community saw him, but did not nothing to help the
victim because their personal agendas would be upset. Later, a foreigner (the Good Samaritan) came
by, saw the man and took care of him, without regard for the victim’s ethnicity
or the potential inconveniences that would ensue. Jesus said to the people listening, “Now, who
do you think was a neighbour to the victim?”
The answer? “The one who had mercy
on him.” Jesus: “Right! Go and do likewise.”
Light-bulb
moment!
1. Be merciful! When I see a
need I do something to alleviate it; now, not later.
2. Mercy doesn’t care what your excuse is. In the case for homeless housing, I don’t
make conditions such as, “you have to be free of your drug addiction,” or “you
have to be undergoing mental health therapy,” or “you can’t bring in stolen
goods.” NO judgements! The housing facility is just ONE step to
offering a hand up to those who struggle with homelessness. Other services will be available to, not
forced upon, those in the housing project.
3. Mercy is risky! With this
“open-handed” approach to serving the needs of the homeless, risks and failure
happen. People will loiter, blocking
sidewalks, garbage will gather, and some will revert to street living.
4. Mercy offers HOPE for the best outcomes: people enabled to live a more
fulfilling life.
Finally,
I pray: Lord, thank you for the organisers of this housing project who wish to
provide life-supporting options for those who situations seem hopeless. May all residents of this small town realise
that: a society that cares for each other is a better society for everybody. Thank you for opening my eyes to the need for
unconditional mercy for others! May your
miracles abound in this neighbourhood! May we ALL be Good Samaritans! With
you, anything is possible!
