The US Department of Housing and Urban Development defines homelessness as lacking a fixed, regular, and adequate residence, or living in a place not meant for human habitation. A homeless person has no personal, private space to call their own. Each day is a struggle to meet the basic needs we take for granted – like shelter from the elements, clean water, and rest
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, there are over half a million Americans experiencing homelessness on any given night in the US. A large portion of those are veterans. Many are disabled and unable to work. Homelessness also affects our children. In the school year 2020-2021, 1.1 million American public school students were identified as homeless.
Homelessness doesn’t have a simple cause; nor does it have a simple solution. Being homeless makes it difficult to get free from the circumstances that led to homelessness in the first place. A small inconvenience, like an injury, a toothache, or a stolen wallet quickly becomes an emergency, making an already fragile existence seem impossible
During a crisis that left him homeless, Mark was living in his car when it was towed for a parking violation. Everything he owned and needed for survival was locked inside. With the impound fees, the parking violation, and the cost of the tow, he soon owed $2000. A simple mistake that would have been easily resolved for you or me had just become a life-threatening emergency for Mark.
In addition to other difficulties the homeless face, living unsheltered can take a drastic toll on an individual’s well-being. An unsheltered individual is constantly exposed to the elements, lowering immunity and encouraging disease. Lack of means for simple personal care can cause serious health issues. Statics show that living unsheltered can shorten a life by 25 years.
While homelessness has dropped slightly across the US since 2020, our local listener area has experienced a slight increase in homelessness in that same time. It is an issue that has become more visible in the last few years. Our response is more crucial than ever. Pray for those you encounter while you are about town. Ask God for opportunities to respond with kindness and demonstrate His love.
