Surrounded On All Sides-Please Help

joymercy said:

@rebornfree thank you so much for your support and kind words.

You ask some very good questions.

Mainly, I think that its made clear that no one can possibly "just get a job," if they have zero sleep from keeping guard all night so no one takes their stuff, or assaults them when sleeping either in a shelter or in the park or in some ones yard for example.

Without anywhere to take a shower or bath, no place nor money for laundry, how can anyone present themselves for a job interview?

Some who appear rough are escorted out or given very stern looks by church security

I think that from what I'm seeing its a need for housing first, so that then a person can focus and concentrate on recovery

I think that they cannot come to services because they are exhausted, seeking counseling for trauma, going to court cases, probation, obtaining food and trying to find hygiene products among examples

Often trying to obtain basic needs requires going all over town and this requires bus fare too and so there's pan handling often

People are most likely open to conversation when being kind and welcoming and just talking with them and finding out how they are doing

Mercy and love are soothing

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It's such a vicious circle and so sad. I agree that housing is the first issue. In Bristol, here in the UK, they converted shipping containers into starter homes for the homeless. They could still apply for more permanent housing but it gave them somewhere to sleep, wash and do their laundry until they could get a more permanent home. Also it gave them an address, which is important to potential employers. I wish other councils would do something similar.

I think one of the problems with the homeless coming to church is feeling awkward being unwashed, when everyone else has showered or bathed. How sad that they are escorted out, but I must admit that it is not easy to be around someone who.is unkempt. Could the church go to them: i.e. have an outdoor service relevant to their needs?

Another problem, I gather, is mental illness
and I've heard that this can cause them to behave anti-socially, which can make living in hostels difficult. I have wondered if Christians could provide temporary housing but it would require a manager, cleaner, social workers and medical care. It would be a massive project. Also I've found that some of the homeless, whom I've talked to, had relatives who could put them up but for some reason they didn't want to go there. I think it's a complex issue with no 'one size fits all' solution.

It's not too big a problem for God though. I hope they accept the gospel and can find a church which will support them as they look for a home and a job and get the care (medical, social and spiritual) which they need. What you are doing is helping them experience the love of God. In due course I hope that they accept Him as their Saviour.