I speak to a lot of groups about the services and ministry that happens in our two shelters. It is a pleasure because I get to talk about how God is changing lives in miraculous ways and bringing people from the pit of despair and hopelessness and making them new. The most frequent response I hear from people after I share is, “I had no idea.” But by far, the most common question I get when I speak to groups is, “What is the main cause of homelessness?”
This is a great question because it allows me to reveal the heart of our approach to ending homelessness. That is, we simply listen to their story. It all starts with the realization that “Every person has a story and every story matters to God. Our clients aren’t just case numbers or problems to be solved. They are God’s masterpiece waiting to be unveiled. Their stories matter because every detail played a part in their present situation. Some good … some not-so-good. But it all matters to God so it should all matter to us.
Now before you get the idea that we are just a bunch of nosey busy-bodies trying to get into other people’s business, let me say this. In every case, God’s interest in our story is redemption. That is the common thread all the way through scripture and that is what guides our ministry. We want to see people redeemed. It doesn’t matter so much to us where they’ve been or what they have done. We listen because we care. We listen because sometimes we have resources we can share with them. Ultimately, we listen so we can direct them to a listening God.
Now, back to the original question, “What is the main cause of homelessness?” My answer to that question has evolved over the years. There are many obvious contributors that we could all name. But one thing I am certain of. Homelessness is not just a lack of housing. It isn’t just a lack of employment or the result of bad choices. It isn’t even just the lack of money. In my view, homelessness is caused ultimately by a lack of relationships. When we have others in our lives who care enough to help us make better decisions, teach us the things we never learned or give us a hand up when we are down … and when we are willing to do our part in all of it, the result will rarely be homelessness. And when we have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the giver of all good gifts, we are positioned to receive blessings in all those lacking areas of our lives. It’s no secret. God made us for relationships. That’s why I always say…
